Optimization of culture medium and temperature for the in vitro germination of oil palm pollen

•Optimum condition for pollens germination and growth of two types of oil palm, Pisifera and Dura, were developed during this study.•The MS + sucrose medium (0.05% MS + 0.01 g/mL sucrose) played a pivotal role in oil palm pollen germination and pollen tube growth.•Besides the nutrients, temperature (31 °C) and time (3 h) of pollen incubation have a pronounced effect on in vitro germination of oil palm pollen.•Fluctuation in temperature and time can significantly inhibit the germination rate, as well as the growth of the pollen tube.

Pollens from two different types of oil palm, Pisifera and Dura, were used to study the influence of different medium components and temperature on oil palm pollen germination. The results of our study revealed that Murashige and Skoog (MS) and sucrose (0.05% MS + 0.01 g/mL sucrose) played a catalytic role in oil palm pollen germination and pollen tube growth. The catalytic effect could be reversed when the contents of the medium were used at higher concentrations. Besides the nutrients, temperature has also played a vital role in vitro germination of oil palm pollen. The recorded optimum temperature and time for the germination was at 31 °C for 3 h. A fluctuation in time and temperature has inhibited the germination rate, as well as the growth of the pollen tube to a certain level. Thus, we have concluded from this study that a proper combination of culture medium and temperature could enhance the in vitro germination of oil palm pollen. These results will be helpful in preparing pollens for oil palm pollination.