JuJube floral biology and pollen germination for improvement in ber breeding under arid and semi-arid regions of South West Haryana Conditions

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) is a major fruit crop of arid and semi-arid regions. In this investigation, the jujube floral biology and pollen germination of nine cultivars were studied. Pollen quality is important for growers and breeders. The study was carried out at CCSHAU Regional research station Bawal to determine in vitro pollen germination in ber to remove the hurdle of breeding in ber. Pollen traits of varieties were studied using an in vitro medium containing 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % sucrose to determine the best sucrose concentrations for germination. In the second step, the germinated pollen was counted 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, and 24 hours later until there was no further germination. The best germination rates were found in 15 % sucrose concentration in most of the varieties. Pollen germination rates were recorded periodically from one hour to 24 hours in 15 % sucrose, and the results showed that pollen germination rates increased after 6 hours of being placed in culture media. The percentage of in vitro germination of pollen tubes among the varieties was also found to be different. Among the nine varieties, the highest pollen germination per cent (80%) was found in variety Chhuhara.