Optimization of pollen storage conditions for low chill peach cultivars

The study was conducted to optimize conditions for long term pollen storage of low chill cultivars of peach. Pollen grains of three cultivars i.e. Florda Prince, Flordaglo and Prabhat were stored at variable temperatures (-80 degrees C, -20 degrees C, 3 +/- 1 degrees C, 6 +/- 1 degrees C and room temperature) for one year and were tested for their viability at 30 days interval by in vitro pollen germination and staining test using acetocarmine. The viability varied significantly according to the genotypes of peach, storage temperature and time. The maximum pollen germination percentage was found in pollen grains stored at -80 degrees C after 30 days of storage followed by pollens stored at -20 degrees C temperature. After 360 days of storage, only pollen grains stored at -80 degrees C and -20 degrees C showed germination in all cultivars. In staining test, pollen showed (94-100%) viability at different temperature after 30 days of storage and after 360 days of storage pollen viability ranged from 53.6% - 82.4%. The pollen viability and germination decreased with the increase in storage temperature and time in all the peach cultivars.