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Zinc is critically required for pollen function and fertilisation in lentil
Nalini Pandey1, Girish Chandra Pathak, Chandra Prakash Sharma
1Botany Department, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India. nalini_pandey@rediffmail.com
Summary
Zinc (Zn) is crucial for lentil reproduction, impacting pollen viability and seed set. Supplementing Zn at flowering can partially mitigate deficiency effects on fertility.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Nutrient Management
Background:
- Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development.
- Reproductive processes in plants, including flowering and seed production, are sensitive to nutrient availability.
- Understanding Zn's role in crop reproduction is vital for optimizing yield and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of zinc (Zn) in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. cv. DPL 15) reproduction.
- To determine if Zn supplementation at the reproductive phase can meet the plant's Zn requirements.
- To elucidate the specific effects of Zn deficiency on pollen morphology, function, and fertilization.
Main Methods:
- Controlled experiments with varying Zn supply levels (low vs. sufficient).
- Morphological analysis of anthers and pollen grains using light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- In vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth assays.
- Enzyme activity assays (acid phosphatase, peroxidase, esterase) and histochemical localization.
- Assessment of seed setting, viability, and yield.
Main Results:
- Low Zn supply reduced anther size, pollen production, size, and viability.
- Zn deficiency altered pollen exine structure, inhibited in vitro germination (>50%), and retarded pollen tube growth.
- Impaired pollen-pistil interaction due to intact stigma cuticle in Zn-deficient plants.
- Zn deficiency increased acid phosphatase and peroxidase activity while suppressing esterase in pollen and stigma.
- Reduced seed setting and viability, with effects partially mitigated by Zn supplementation at flowering.
Conclusions:
- Zinc is critical for pollen structure, function, and fertilization in lentils.
- Zn deficiency severely impacts reproductive success, affecting pollen viability and seed development.
- Supplementing Zn at the onset of the reproductive phase can partially alleviate deficiency symptoms and improve fertility.
- Further research into precise Zn requirements during lentil reproductive stages is warranted.
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