Effects of high humidity and temperature stress on pollen membrane integrity and pollen vigour in Nicotiana tabacum

Abstract

The prolonged exposure of pollen Nicotiana tabacum to high humidity at both room temperature and 38°C did not affect membrane integrity as revealed by the fluorochromatic reaction (FCR) test, but did affect pollen vigour. At room temperature germination was not affected, although tube growth was reduced; at 38°C, there was both a reduction in tube growth and delayed germination. When the pollen was subjected to 1 h hydration followed by 1 h desiccation (up to a maximum of four cycles) at room temperature, a reduction in the FCR, germination and tube length after each desiccation treatment was observed. Subsequent hydration fully restored the FCR, but only partially restored germination and tube growth. At 38°C, however, FCR, germination, and tube growth were drastically reduced. The implications of these results on the relationship between FCR and germinability, the responses of pollen exposed to humidity and temperature stress in the field, and on pollen storage are discussed.