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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2005; 7(5): 476-483
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-865850
Research Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

The Effect of Temperature on Pollen Germination, Pollen Tube Growth, and Stigmatic Receptivity in Peach

A. Hedhly1 , 2 , J. I. Hormaza 3 , M. Herrero1 , 2
  • 1Estación Experimental de Aula Dei, CSIC, Apartado 202, 50080 Zaragoza, Spain
  • 2Unidad de Fruticultura, CITA-DGA, Apartado 727, 50080 Zaragoza, Spain
  • 3Estación Experimental La Mayora, CSIC, 29750 Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain
Further Information

Publication History

Received: April 7, 2005

Accepted: June 13, 2005

Publication Date:
15 September 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Temperature is a major climatic factor that limits geographical distribution of plant species, and the reproductive phase has proven to be one of the most temperature-vulnerable stages. Here, we have used peach to evaluate the effect of temperature on some processes of the progamic phase, from pollination to the arrival of pollen tubes in the ovary. Within the range of temperatures studied, 20 °C in the laboratory and, on average, 5.7 °C in the field, the results show an accelerating effect of increasing temperature on pollen germination and pollen tube growth kinetics, as well as an increase in the number of pollen tubes that reach the style base. For the last two parameters, although the range of temperature registered in the field was much lower, the results obtained in the laboratory paralleled those obtained in the field. Increasing temperatures drastically reduced stigmatic receptivity. Reduction was sequential, with stigmas first losing the capacity to sustain pollen tube penetration to the transmitting tissue, then their capacity to offer support for pollen germination and, finally, their capacity to support pollen grain adhesion. Within a species-specific range of temperature, this apparent opposite effect of temperature on the male and female side could provide plants with the plasticity to withstand changing environmental effects, ensuring a good level of fertilization.

Key words

Pollen germination - pollen tube growth - Prunus persica - stigmatic receptivity - temperature stress.

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A. Hedhly

Departamento de Pomología
EEAD, CSIC

Apartado 202

50080 Zaragoza

Spain

Email: ahedhly@eead.csic.es

Editor: S. S. Renner