Horto-Taxonomical Studies on Bougainvillea: Pollen Grain Characters

Horto-taxonomical characterization of Bougainvillea is most important for the correct identification of cultivars and Plant Variety Rights (PVR). Different parameters have already been standardized for characterization. In Bougainvillea, there is always the development of new and novel varieties through classical breeding, sports, selection, and induced mutagenesis. The new varieties differ from the original variety mostly in one promising character for commercial utilization. All these factors have led to a lot of confusion in the identification of these cultivars. Many times, the same cultivar has been differently named at different places and in some cases even the same name has been given to cultivars of different origins. This study aims to verify the taxonomic usefulness of the pollen grain morphological characters at a variety level. 83 cultivars were selected and pollen morphological characters were investigated and found a wide range of variations in pollen grain ornamentations at the variety level. The structural diversity in pollen structure within the varieties is recommended as an important tool in addition to other techniques for the identification and classification of the varieties.