SPIRODELA POLYRRHIZA EXTRACT INDUCED CHANGES IN POLLEN GROWTH OF BARLEY PLANT

Abstract

The influence of different concentrations (1, 2, 5 & 10%) of Spirodela polyrrhiza extract in distilled water on germination and tube growth of Hordeum vulgare has been studied. Pollen grains from fresh flowers of H. vulgare were collected early in the morning before anthesis. Obsevations were recorded 60 minutes after pollen culture at 20 ± 0.5ºC and 100% relative humidity. Results showed that lower concentrations (1%, 2% & 5%) enhanced pollen growth. Maximum percentage germination (76.0%) and tube growth (234.509μm) were observed with 5% S. polyrrhiza extract in the evening followed by morning and noon. Finally one can conclude that S. polyrrhiza extract enhanced pollen germination and tube growth of barley plant.