Effect of Storage Conditions and Methods of Pollen Germination on Viability of Three Date Palm Cultivars

Date palm pollen grains from Khori, Medjahriil and Bahlani male cultivars were kept in a desiccator which contained either .silica gel or calcium chloride, or after drying, in a freeze-dryer. The Pollen was ill en stored cither under room temperature (21 - 25°C), in a refrigerator (4 -5.C) or in a freeze-dryer (18°C). After six months, the pollen grains were germinated at 30°C in one of two media, namely modified Brcwbaker and Kwack medium and boric acid-sucrose medium. No interaction was observed between the three cultivars and boric acid-sucrose medium. No interaction was observed between the three cultivars and the tested conditions. Generally Bahlani and Medjahdil showed higher germination percentages than Khori, In addition, storage in refrigerator with either silica gel or caJcium chloride, using Brew baker and Kwack medium, were the best storage conditions for retaining pollen viability, with germination percentages of 55,5% and 55,1% respectively. In general, pollen germinated in modified Brewbaker and Kwack medium (30.7%). Accordingly refrigeration and silica gel were recommended for storage and Brewbaker and Kwack was tlie better medium to determine pollen germination percentages.