Pollen longevity of oil seed rape

Pollen longevity of oilseed rope was studied under four conditions of temperature and relative humidity (external conditions; Tdegrees20degreesC, RH 40%; Tdegrees20degreesC, RH 60%; Tdegrees 3 to 5degreesC, RH 40 to 95%) and during 0 to 15 days, Longevity was measured by viability (Triphenyl Tretrazolium Chlorid stainability test) and by pollination effectiveness which was tested on cut female flowers (fruit set and number of seeds per pod). The results showed that the viability decreased until eight days, Low temperature with variable RH was the most conservative treatment (9% on the 8th day). In all situations, viability did not exceed 15 days. Testing the effectiveness of pollination was more difficult to manage, but the results were In accordance with the viability tests, Our results indicate a higher longevity than that previously described in the literature (three days). These results lead to two conclusions. First, the TTC stainability test is a rapid and reliable method to study pollen longevity and could be used to study the variability of pollen longevity in various oilseed rope varieties. Secondly, when considering the longevity of pollen under variable conditions and especially under low temperature, it can be assumed that a long distance and efficient pollen dispersol over several days in the atmosphere is possible.