Efficient temporary pollen storage techniques for quality kiwifruit production

Area of Science:

• Horticulture
• Plant Science
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Asynchronous flowering in kiwifruit necessitates effective short-term pollen storage.
• Successful kiwifruit production relies on viable pollen availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different storage temperatures and durations on kiwifruit pollen viability.
• To identify optimal conditions for preserving kiwifruit pollen for agricultural applications.

Main Methods:

• Kiwifruit pollen was stored at room temperature, 0°C, -4°C, -10°C, and -20°C for up to 42 days.
• Pollen viability was assessed using in vitro germination and acetocarmine tests.
• Fruit yield and quality were evaluated after pollination with stored pollen.

Main Results:

• Storage method, duration, and their interaction significantly affected pollen viability (p≤0.0001).
• Room-temperature storage led to complete viability loss within 42 days.
• Low-temperature storage (-20°C being most effective) maintained significant pollen viability after 42 days.
• Low-temperature stored pollen resulted in higher fruit yield and quality.

Conclusions:

• Low-temperature storage is a dependable method for preserving kiwifruit pollen.
• This technique supports farmers in achieving high-quality, high-yielding kiwifruit crops.