GERMINATION OF SWEET CHERRY (PRUNUS AVIUM L.) POLLEN IN VITRO AS INFLUENCED BY FUNGICIDES

Abstract

Effects of fungicidal concentrations of sulphur, dichlone, ferbam, and captan on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) pollen germination and growth were studied in artificial media. Sulphur did not reduce the germination of pollen. Dichlone and ferbam reduced germination from 53.0 per cent to 47.1 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively, reductions which were significant statistically. Sprayed at 0.2 pound/100 gallons or less, captan did not reduce germination. Captan, sprayed at 2 pounds/100 gallons, almost entirely prevented pollen germination, and arrested the elongation of pollen tubes.