GERMINATION CAPACITY OF STORED POLLEN OF MORUS ALBA (MORACEAE) AND THEIR MAINTENANCE

Present investigations pertain to pollen germination and viability of Morus alba L. (Moraceae) for up to 48 weeks. Pollen germination was made by hanging drop technique in different concentration of sucrose and boric acid solutions (10%-100%). In a refrigerator, freezer, in vacuum over silica gel and in organic solvents (Acetone, Benzene, and chloroform). Pollen stored at low temperature (-30°C,-20°C) showed better germination percentage compared to pollen stored at 4°C and fresh. Freeze dried pollen (-60°C) showed the best of germination. The study indicates that 30 % and 40 % solutions favoured pollen germination. Benzene showed more germination than acetone and chloroform