Assessment of pollen quality and quantity in White and Black Turkish Myrtus communis L. accessions, through In Vitro pollen germination under varied boric acid concentrations

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the pollen properties, pollen viability and germination with suitable germination medium and amount of pollen production in 6 Turkish myrtle genotypes. The genotypes were evaluated as their origin and fruit colours in terms of 3 different origins (Erdemli, Karaisali and Tarsus) and 2 fruit colours (black and white). Results showed that, pollen properties were affected from fruit colours and black genotypes generally showed higher pollen properties. The amount of pollen production of one flower was very high ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 million. Pollen viability and germination rates showed sufficient results for successful pollination in Turkish myrtle genotypes. Among pollen germination media, the best pollen germination rate was obtained from 50 ppm boric acid. Consequently, this study identified the pollen performance of white and black Turkish myrtle genotypes and suggested an optimal pollen germination medium for Myrtus communis which can be used in the future breeding programmes.