A Study on Pollen Morphology and Viability of Certain Members of Cucurbitaceae Family

Abstract

Characterizing the shape of pollen is crucial for plant breeding, taxonomy, and conservation, and studies on pollen viability can help breeding initiatives. This study examined the male fertility and pollen morphology of six Cucurbitaceae species with potential for both economic and nutritional benefit. Pollen grains were acetolyzed for morphological study, and a light compound microscope and an LEICA digital microscope were used to determine the exine stratification as well as other characteristics of pollen grains. The Cucurbitaceae family is eurypalynous, as evidenced by the noticeable differences in pollen physical characteristics between species. The shapes of pollen might be oblate, sub-oblate, or oblate-spheroidal. Pollen viability percentage was determined by using different staining methods-Acetocarmine test, Lugol’s test and Aniline blue test respectively. M. dioica, or spiny gourd, had the highest pollen viability percentage (94.4%), while L. acutangula, or Chinese okra, had the lowest percentage (80.83%) when it was fresh. Using Lugol's test, six Cucurbitaceae species' pollen grains were found to be starchy by nature. In Lugol's test, M. dioica showed the highest percentage of pollen viability, whereas M. charantia showed the lowest percentage of pollen viability following the anthesis of the flowers (at fresh). Species identification relies heavily on pollen morphology, particularly in this diverse family where many species exist. High viability rates encourage seed production and fertilization, which are necessary for effective hybrid development and conservation.