Effects of temperature on pollen viability in mango cv. 'Kensington'.
Issarakraisila M., Considine J. A.
Author Affiliation: Horticultural Science, School of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
Annals of Botany 73 : 231-240
Abstract : The effects of temperature regime on formation of fertile pollen were studied in mango cv. Kensington. The phase most sensitive to the degree and duration of temperature stress was that from meiosis to the pre-vacuolate microspore (about 3 days duration at 25/20°C), though vacuolated microspores were also sensitive to low temperature. Night temperatures below 10° resulted in pollen grains with a low viability (50%). A temperature between 15 and 33° during the phase from meiosis to the pre-vacuolate microspore was optimum for pollen development (70-85% pollen viability). Analysis of field records showed a linear negative correlation between percentage of pollen viability and number of days with a mean night temperature 10° during the period from meiosis to the early mature stage. The temperature-sensitive phase was estimated to begin 155 degree days (base temperature 10°) before anthesis and to end 78 degree days before anthesis. Calculation of these values may be useful for predicting pollen viability in the field from temperature records and thus fruit set, date of maturity and yield. It may also aid in the selection of areas for growing mangoes in marginal climates.