Foliar Application of Boron to Almond Trees Affects Pollen Quality
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Date
2000
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Abstract
The effect of boron (B) on in vivo and in vitro development of almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb (syn.
P. amygdalus Batsch)] pollen and pollen tubes and the resultant effect on fruit set was studied in mature trees. The
cultivars Mono (pistil donor) and Butte (pollinizer) in an orchard with low soil B in Fresno, California were sprayed with
B at 0, 0.8, 1.7, or 2.5 kg·ha–1 during Fall 1993. Pollen viability as indicated by the fluorescein diacetate method (FDA)
was >85% and was not affected by field-applied B, however, in vivo pollen germination and tube growth were enhanced
by foliar-applied B. More effect of applied B on in vivo growth appeared as pollen tubes progressed toward the ovary.
For in vitro germination, foliar-applied B reduced bursting of tubes, and addition of B to the culture media significantly
increased pollen germination and pollen tube growth
Description
Keywords
Prunus dulcis, Pollination, Ffertilization, Pollen germination
Citation
Nyomora, A.M.S., Brown, P.H., Pinney, K. and Polito, V.S., 2000. Foliar application of boron to almond trees affects pollen quality. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 125(2), pp.265-270.