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Pollen viability of Polygala paniculata L. (Polygalaceae) using different staining methods.
Viviane Dal-Souto Frescura1, Haywood Dail Laughinghouse, Thais Scotti do Canto-Dorow
1Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Genotoxicity, Department of Biology, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas (CCNE), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, no 1000, Cep. 97105-900, Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
Summary
Alexander
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Plant Science
- Medicinal Plants
Background:
- Polygala paniculata L., a medicinal plant from Brazil's Atlantic coast, has multiple common names.
- Accurate assessment of pollen viability is crucial for plant breeding and conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare three staining methods for estimating pollen viability in Polygala paniculata L.
- To identify the most effective staining technique for this species.
Main Methods:
- Collected young inflorescences from twenty Polygala paniculata L. accessions.
- Fixed samples in ethanol:acetic acid, then stored in 70% ethanol.
- Prepared slides by squashing, analyzing 300 pollen grains per slide using 2% acetic orcein, 2% acetic carmine, and Alexander's stain.
Main Results:
- Pollen viability in most Polygala paniculata L. accessions was high (>70%).
- Alexander's stain demonstrated the highest efficacy in estimating pollen viability.
- Acetic orcein and acetic carmine showed lower accuracy compared to Alexander's stain.
Conclusions:
- Alexander's stain is the most adequate method for assessing pollen viability in Polygala paniculata L.
- High pollen viability suggests good reproductive potential in the studied accessions.
- Standardized pollen viability testing is essential for medicinal plant research.
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