POLLEN GERMINATION CAPACITY OF TWO CULTIVATED SPECIES (JASMINUM SAMBUC (L.) AIT. AND NYCANTHES ARBOR-TRISTIS L.) OF FAMILY OLEACEAE

Pollen germination and viability of two species viz., Jasminum sambuc (L.) Ait., and Nycanthes arbor-tristis L. of the family Oleaceae were examined. Viability was determined on the basis of germination ability of pollen on sucrose medium with boric acid solution up to 48 weeks. Stored pollen were germinated under different conditions (+ 4 degrees C), (-20 degrees C, -30 degrees C), (-60 degrees C), vacuum chamber and organic solvents. Pollen stored at low temperature -60 degrees C showed better germination as compared to pollen stored at +4 degrees C and fresh. Among two species Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait. showed much better germination percentage at -60 degrees C (40.60%) whereas, Nycanthes arbor-tristis L., showed 37.0% germination after 48 weeks of storage. Pollen stored over silica jel under vacuum of both the species showed good germination as compared to organic solvents.