Staining and fluorescent microscopy methods for pollen viability determination in sunflower and other plant species

Results shown in this paper imply a successful application of staining method by Alexander (1969) which is simplified in comparison to the original method and adapted for pollen viability estimation in sunflower, rapeseed, sugar beet, maize, wheat, alfalfa, etc. Aspects of research in which this method is frequently used are described.This paper also shows the results of fluorescent microscopy method (Kho and Baër, 1968) adaptation for pollen germination and pollen tube growth monitoring in sunflower, as well the possibility for its application in fertilization potential estimation.

• Results shown in this paper imply a successful application of staining method by Alexander (1969) which is simplified in comparison to the original method and adapted for pollen viability estimation in sunflower, rapeseed, sugar beet, maize, wheat, alfalfa, etc.
• This paper also shows the results of fluorescent microscopy method (Kho and Baër, 1968) adaptation for pollen germination and pollen tube growth monitoring in sunflower, as well the possibility for its application in fertilization potential estimation.
• These modified methods can be used more efficiently than the original in the breeding of industrial crops.