Quality of seeds and pollen of seven species of pine under the conditions of introduction in Primorsky krai

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to study the features of generative development of introduced pine species based on the material of the arboretum of the Mountain Taiga Station. The results of studying the morphology and quality of pollen and seeds of pine species under the conditions of the introduction of Primorsky Krai are presented. Pollen and seed viability indicators are the most important characteristics of the development of male generative structures. This, in turn, determines the degree of adaptation of the species to external conditions during introduction. Morphometric indicators of pollen (length and height of the body and air sacs) were determined on micro preparations, and the number of abnormal pollen grains was counted. Pollen viability was determined by germinating it in a 15% sucrose solution in a thermostat at a temperature of 25 ºС using the «hanging drop» method. Under the conditions of introduction, a direct correlation was found between the number of germinated pollen grains and the intensity of growth of pollen tubes. Germination and seed germination energy were determined according to GOST 13056.6‑75. Germination was carried out in Petri dishes on filter paperi n a thermostat at a constant temperature of +24°C. A direct relationship was found between the number of germinated pollen grains and the rate of growth of pollen tubes. Among the studied pine species, P. banksiana, P. hamata, and especially P. sylvestris, have a sufficiently large potential for a favorable completion of the embryonic stage in the generative process. The same species have the best indicators of germination and seed germination energy. The degree of viability of pollen has a direct impact on the formation of full-grained seeds.