Viability of Ghars pollen grains in datt palms

The research entitled was undertaken to study the effect of different nutrients such as boric acid (H3BO3), calcium nitrate (CaNO3), potassium nitrate (KNO3) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on the viability of pollen grains from Ghars-type Ph¿nix dactylifera L. date palms in vitro . Different culture media containing low and high concentrations compared with the control (Brewbacker and Kwack modified, 1963) were prepared for in vitro cultivation of pollen grains during 24 h incubation. The maximum germination rate was observed at a concentration of 0.05% H3BO3 with a pollen tube length of 32.25 µm, 0.01% CaNO3 with a pollen tube length of 72.86 µm, 0.01% KNO3 with a pollen tube length of 44.58 µm, while 0.02% MgSO4 gave a pollen tube length of 41.98 µm. The final conclusion is that the components of the culture medium play an important role in pollen tube germination and growth, and that the effect of these components is complementary. The right medium enables the right pollen to be used to boost yields and increase commercial crops.