Peculiarities of growth of pollen tube of Tulipa gesneriana L.

Abstract

Building and growing the pollen tube are essential aspects of pollen biology. Pollen tube is a strategy for fertilizing siphonogamous plants by delivering immobile male gametes to the oosphere and central cell of embryonic sac, so that male gametes do not come into contact with external environment. The optimal length of the pollen tube is correlated with length of pistil that must pass through to achieve fertilization. The present study highlights the building and growth of tulip pollen tube in different environmental conditions. Environmental conditions differed in type and concentration of carbohydrates in the nutrient mediums. Two categories of mediums were created: with sucrose and with glucose. Tulip pollen was monitored for 120 hours. It has been shown that 5% sucrose in medium is more efficient than glucose, ensuring growth of the longest pollen tubes reaching 10000 μm. Research has further demonstrated viability of pollen tubes for 120 hours.