Next-generation Methods for Elevating Brinjal Hybrid Seed Yield by Enhancing Pollen Viability
I. R. Delvadiya *
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat – 362001, India.
Mukesh Vishnoi
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST–K), Wadura- 193 201, J & K, India.
Mohd Yousuf
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST–K), Wadura- 193 201, J & K, India.
Bhagshali Patle
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture & Research Station, Sitapur, Surguja - 497111, Chhattisgarh, India.
Iram Bashir
Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST–K), Wadura- 193 201, J & K, India.
Beera Abhilash
Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture (FoH), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST–K), Shalimar, Srinagar - 190025, J & K, India.
A. V. Ginoya
Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat – 361305, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Pollen viability is a critical factor influencing successful fertilisation, fruit set, and hybrid seed production in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). Storage conditions and duration can affect the functional quality of pollen and thereby influence reproductive success. Therefore, identifying suitable pollen storage conditions is important for maintaining pollen viability and improving fruit set during hybrid seed production. This study investigates the pollen viability of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) over a 12-hour interval under two distinct storage conditions. Pollen viability is a crucial determinant of successful fertilisation and fruit set in brinjal, making it imperative to understand how different storage conditions can affect this essential aspect of reproductive biology. In this experiment, brinjal flowers were selected, and their pollen was collected and stored in two separate environments: ambient room temperature and refrigerated storage. Pollen samples were collected at regular intervals, and their viability was assessed using a staining technique to distinguish between viable and non-viable pollen grains. The results were validated by transferring anthers aged between 12 and 72 hours and stored under two different conditions to the female flowers using a brush. After a two-week period, viability and fruit-setting rates were compared. Our results reveal significant differences in pollen viability between the two storage conditions over the 12-hour interval. The study highlights the importance of appropriate pollen storage conditions in brinjal cultivation and provides valuable insights into optimising pollen viability for improved crop yield. To maximise fruit set and crop yield, it is advisable to use pollen that has been stored in a refrigerator for a shorter duration. This ensures the availability of highly viable pollen at the time of pollination, promoting successful fertilisation and fruit development. The highest fruit set percentage occurred when pollen was kept in a refrigerator (64.77%) and when female flowers were pollinated using pollen stored for less than 12 hours (83.84%).
Keywords: Brinjal, pollen viability, ambient storage, acetocarmine staining, fruit set, hybrid seed production