Plant Systematics and Evolution

, Volume 284, Issue 1–2, pp 57–64 | Cite as

Effect of relative humidity on water content, viability and carbohydrate profile of Petunia hybrida and Cucurbita pepo pollen

Original Article
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Abstract

Petunia hybrida and Cucurbita pepo pollen was exposed to 30 and 75% relative humidity (RH). Water content, viability and carbohydrate content (glucose, fructose, sucrose and starch) were measured at fixed intervals over 6 h. Water content of C. pepo pollen decreased drastically at both RHs, while P. hybrida pollen dehydrated slightly at RH 30% and hydrated at RH 75%. The pollen of the two species also showed very different sensitivity to dehydration. P. hybrida pollen was resistant to desiccation, with viability remaining around 80% throughout the experiment, whereas C. pepo was very sensitive to desiccation, showing an abrupt decrease in viability when its water content reached about 13% (fresh weight basis) at both RHs. Carbohydrate content was also different in the two species. Sucrose content increased soon after dehydration of P. hybrida pollen at RH 30%, whereas it remained almost constant in C. pepo pollen at the same RH. The results are discussed in the framework of basic pollen physiology and of plant reproductive strategy.

Keywords

Pollen Water content Carbohydrate reserves Viability Cucurbita pepo Petunia hybrida 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by PAR (Piano di Ateneo per la Ricerca, University of Siena).

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2009

Authors and Affiliations

  • Massimo Nepi
    • 1
  • L. Cresti
    • 2
  • M. Guarnieri
    • 2
  • E. Pacini
    • 2
  1. 1.BIOCONNET, Department of Environmental SciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
  2. 2.Department of Environmental SciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly

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