Assessment of pollen viability and in vitro pollen germination in Nerium cultivars (Nerium oleander L.)

Pollen viability and in vitro pollen germination was examined in single and double types of Nerium cultivars. Maximum pollen viability per cent was recorded in the cultivar UHSBN-6 (97.90%) followed by the cultivar UHSBN-14 (95.68%) and least per cent was recorded in the cultivar UHSBN-24 (89.58) when methyl blue was used as a dying agent. Potassium iodide showed the maximum per cent pollen viability in the cultivar UHSBN-12 (95.66%). Further, maximum in vitro pollen germination was recorded in the cultivar UHSBN-19 (68.69%) in 15% sucrose with 100 ppm boric acid which was on par with the cultivar UHSBN-17 and UHSBN-29 (67.18 and 66.90% respectively). The cultivar UHSBN-12 recorded maximum in vitro pollen germination (77.12%) under Brew baker and Kwack medium which was on par with cultivars UHSBN-19 and UHSBN-30 (74.80 and 74.72% respectively). The results obtained from the present investigation can aid in planning crosses and establishment of Nerium hybridization programs using compatible cultivars.