Identification of optimum drying temperature for pollen yield and viability in coconut varieties in coastal Andhra Pradesh

Abstract: The study was carried out to investigate the effect of desiccation methods on pollen moisture content, pollen yield, percent of pollen viability, pollen germination and pollen tube length of coconut varieties grown in coastal Andhra Pradesh. In this study, four different varieties were subjected to various drying methods (drying at room temperature for 12 and 24 h, oven drying at 30ºC for 12 and 24 h, and oven drying at 40ºC for 12 and 24 h). Results showed a significant difference among treatments, varieties and the interaction between the desiccation methods and varieties. Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD) staminate flowers dried at 40ºC for 24 h had less moisture content, whereas the maximum was in East Coast Tall (ECT) staminate flowers dried at room temperature for 12 h. Although staminate flowers dried in an oven at 40ºC for 24 h yielded more pollen, pollen viability %, pollen germination %, and pollen tube length were recorded maximum in staminate flowers dried in the oven at 40º for 12 h. Minimum pollen viability %, pollen germination % and pollen tube length were recorded in staminate flowers dried at room temperature for 24 h. This study demonstrates that desiccated staminate flowers contribute to an increase in pollen quantity by reducing moisture content. The resulting pollen can be effectively utilized in breeding programs throughout the year.