This study examined the effect of temperature on pollen germination and pollen tube growth in Datura metel L. Pollen was germinated in vitro at different temperatures (0°C, 4°C, 28°C, 42°C, 54°C) and observed over 2 hours. The highest pollen germination rate of 86.43% was observed at 28°C. Pollen began bursting at 54°C and above. Pollen tube length was longest (320 μm) at 28°C. The results show that Datura pollen germinates best between 28-42°C, with higher or lower temperatures inhibiting growth. This is consistent with other plant species and adds to understanding of

1. International Indexed & Referred Research Journal, April, 2012. ISSN- 0975-3486, RNI-RAJBIL 2009/30097;VoL.III *ISSUE-31
Research Paper—Botany
Effect of Temperature on pollen germination and
pollen tube growth of Datura metel L.
April, 2012 * Mital Katara
* Department of Botany, School of Science, Guj. Uni., Ahmedabad,
Introduction: germination was checked were 00C, 40C, 280C, 420C,
In spite of years of efforts by the plant 540C. Electric bulbs of different volts were used near
physiologist, cytologist, Embryologist and Genetists, the petridish in which pollen were kept for
our understanding of gametogenesis and fertilization germination. The different bulbs used were of 40 V,
is still quite limited and obscure. In spite of usage of 60 V, 100 V and temperature was maintained. Five
modern biochemical, ultrastructural Immunological replicates were used. Pollen germination as
and cell culturetechniques, a variety of difficulties percentage was noted at 15 minute intervals for two
still slow the progress. The temperature has a hour. Pollen tube length was measured and optimum
considerable effect on pollen germination and pollen temperature for pollen germination was noted. All
tube growth. Normally increase in temperature results the same effect of high temperature on pollen
in increase of the diameter and low temperature germination was observed. Ten pollen were used
reduces germination and tube growth. randomly for collection of data and average values
Materials and methods: were noted.
Datura metel is a medicinal plant. The plant Results and discussion: Among the physical factors
as a whole is narcotic anodyne and has antispasmodic affecting the pollen tube growth, temperature is the
properties analogous to those of belladona. It is grown most important. In most of the plants, under normal
from seeds, so its flowering is very important part. conditions the pollen show optimum germination
Datura flower buds were selected for the experiments. between 200C and 300C. In Datura the germination
The pollen was germinated In vitro on modified was checked at different temperatures such as 00C,
medium by sitting drop method using watch glasses. 40C, 280C, 420C and 540C. 86.43% germination was
Media constituents were standerdised so as to obtain obtained at 280C. All pollens started bursting at 540C
optimum germination. Percent pollen germination and above. In Snapdragon, the growth of pollen tube
and pollen tube length was also measured for all were negligible at 150C and broadening of tips took
(Table-1) Showing the effect of Different Temperature on % place at 300C and pollen tube started bursting at 350C
Gernination, % Bursting and Length of Datura Pollengrain (Varghese, 1984). Higher temperatures adversely
(Here Lengh in m) affect pollen tubes. The results obtained in Datura
Temperature For 120 minites
%G % B Length (m) are in accordance with these obtained in other plants.
0C
0
0.00 0.00 0.00 Conclusion: Pollen grains of the plant germinated
40C 68.97 31.02 171 in temperature 40C,280C and 420C. All pollen grains
280C 86.43 13.51 320 started bursting at 00C, 540C and above.
420C 59.31 49.68 340
540C 0.00 100 0.00
Acknowledgements:
I thank Pro. Dr. Yogesh Jasrai, Head of the
experiments. Study of the effect of temperature on Department of Botany and Pro.Dr.Archana Mankad,
pollen germination and pollen tube growth of Datura Departmentof Botany,Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
pollen. The different temperatures at which for providing laboratory facilities and guidance.
R E F E R E N C E of groundnut genotypes to temperature.Plant, cell and Environment,
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spectral compositions on in-vitro pollen germination and tube growth by the Freeze Drying Method Bull. Torrey Bot. Club, 92 : 270-287
in Zea mays L. Advances in plant science. 16(1): 237-242. 4. Varghese T.M. (1984). Pollen physiology. In:An Introduction to
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Response of in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth I.B.H. Publishing company. N. Delhi 19-36.
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