Pollen viability, longevity, and function in angiosperms: key drivers and prospects for improvement

Area of Science:

• Plant reproductive biology
• Environmental science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Pollen viability and longevity are critical for plant physiology, ecology, plant breeding, and industry.
• Factors influencing pollen performance (storage, germination, fertilization) are complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review progress in assessing pollen viability and longevity.
• Highlight advances in understanding intrinsic and environmental factors affecting pollen performance.
• Identify future research needs for pollen viability and longevity.

Main Methods:

• Review of current methods for measuring pollen viability.
• Analysis of recent research on factors influencing pollen performance.
• Synthesis of knowledge on pollen-stigma interactions and molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Pollen viability and longevity are highly sensitive to environmental conditions.
• Complex interactions between maternal/paternal tissues and internal pollen events influence performance.
• Climate change poses a direct threat to pollen viability and longevity.

Conclusions:

• Further basic research is needed to understand molecular mechanisms modulating pollen viability.
• Applied research should focus on developing methods to maintain or improve pollen viability and longevity.
• Enhanced understanding is critical for food security and climate change adaptation.