Iğdır Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, cilt.13, sa.4, ss.2303-2314, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Pollen quality is one of the most important factors in breeding programs because of its effects on seed formation. For an effective breeding program, breeders must know pollen viability, germination rate, and the duration of maintaining pollen viability. This study was carried out to determine pollen viability and germination rates of 'Chic' and 'Barolo' spray chrysanthemum varieties kept at different temperatures and times. Pollen from both varieties was obtained from plants grown in a fully automated greenhouse. Pollens were stored at +24°C and +4°C for 7 days. Pollen viability was determined by the TTC method and germination rates were determined by the hanging drop method with modified ME3-m medium, daily for 8 days, including day 0. The 'Chic' varieties had more viable pollen than the 'Barolo' variety. Viable pollen and germination rates tended to decrease continuously with time. On the 7th day, the germination rate decreased by 93.44% and 71.64% in the 'Barolo' and 'Chic' varieties, respectively. However, the capacity to maintain the viability of pollen kept at +4°C was found to be better in both varieties. In the study, it was concluded that the pollen should be applied freshly but stored at +4°C when necessary. The pollen kept at +24°C can be used for up to 2 days. This period can be extended up to 4 days at +4°C, depending on the variety.