JuJube floral biology and pollen germination for improvement in ber breeding under arid and semi-arid regions of South West Haryana Conditions

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) is a major fruit crop of arid and semi-arid regions. In this
investigation, the jujube floral biology and pollen germination of nine cultivars were studied.
Pollen quality is important for growers and breeders. The study was carried out at CCSHAU
Regional research station Bawal to determine in vitro pollen germination in ber to remove the
hurdle of breeding in ber. Pollen traits of varieties were studied using an in vitro medium
containing 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % sucrose to determine the best sucrose concentrations
for germination. In the second step, the germinated pollen was counted 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, and 24
hours later until there was no further germination. The best germination rates were found in 15 %
sucrose concentration in most of the varieties. Pollen germination rates were recorded
periodically from one hour to 24 hours in 15 % sucrose, and the results showed that pollen
germination rates increased after 6 hours of being placed in culture media. The percentage of in
vitro germination of pollen tubes among the varieties was also found to be different. Among the
nine varieties, the highest pollen germination per cent (80%) was found in variety Chhuhara.