POLLEN VIABILITY- A USEFUL SELECTION CRITERIA FOR SCREENING AGAINST THERMOTOLERANCE IN TOMATO SEEDLINGS

Abstract

Pollen is the mature male gametophyte being the most sensitive cell type affected by the occurrence of high ambient temperatures. Rise in temperature for 38°C or above, even for short duration as little as 4-hour exposure to 45°C during flowering stage severely affect tomato crop. A field study was conducted with thirty tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) genotypes to screen the effect of high temperature on pollen viability at seedling stage in glass house. Results revealed that different genotypes vary in their response to high temperatures. Data analysis showed highly significant differences. Pollen viability percentage varied from 30%-94%. Genotypes like 17903, GSL-198, 10109, 6234, 17869 having maximum values for pollen viability% designated as heat tolerant and genotypes 17862, TO-1057, 10145, SAMRUDHI, TM-1826 having minimum value for pollen viability designated as heat susceptible. These genotypes can be further used as to get more insight into pollen thermo-tolerance mechanisms and be included in further breeding programs.