Collection time, dehidration, culture media and environment for germination and storage of campomanesia guazumifolia (cambess.) O. Berg. Pollen

Abstract

Abstract Sete-capote tree, a neglected species, has great ecological, cultural and potential economic importance, however, studies for this and other native species of the Myrtaceae family are still scarce. The objective of this study was to elucidate aspects of pollen germination and viability of this specie. For the experiment, pollen from flowers in pre and post anthesis was used, which was dehydrated in a chamber containing silica, for different periods. For germination tests, different concentrations of sucrose, boric acid and calcium nitrate were used. After obtaining germination results above 80%, the pollen grains were stored in refrigerator (5 °C), freezer (-17 °C), liquid nitrogen (-147 °C) and natural environment (± 25 °C), evaluating monthly the germination, until total loss of viability. For germination, it was recommend using pollen from flowers in post-anthesis, dehydrated for 24 hours in a silica chamber. The culture medium should contain 12% sucrose (C12H22O11), 10% boric acid (H3BO3) and 20% calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) to obtain high germinative percentages. In addition, pollen presents orthodox behavior and when stored in liquid nitrogen, remains viable for 30 days.