Effects of fluoride on pollen germination and pollen tube growth. [Tomatoes]

Journal Article · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1970 · Phytopathology; (United States)

OSTI ID:5995356

Sulzbach, C W; Pack, M R

Tomato plants continuously exposed in atmospheres having 5 ..mu..g or more of F/m/sup 3/, as HF, produced smaller fruits or fruits with fewer seeds, or both, than similar control plants. Such treatment reduced pollen germination and subsequent pollen tube growth. Pistils of self- and manually pollinated flowers (the latter emasculated when flowers were fully open) were removed 2 to 10 days after pollination, stained with aniline blue, and observed under UV light. The amount of pollen on the stigma, per cent of grains which germinated, number of tubes growing to the base of the style, and number of tubes reaching ovules were determined. Pollen from HF-exposed plants had lower germination percentages in vitro than pollen of the controls. Less pronounced results were obtained in cross pollinations (both pollen of controls to HF exposed and the reciprocal), suggesting that the F affected both the male and female parts of the flower. Inhibition of germination and tube growth appears to be proportionately related to the concentration of the F; however, the degree of the F effect can be partially regulated by the amount of Ca within the nutrient solution or media.

• Research Organization: Washington State Univ., Pullman
• OSTI ID: 5995356
• Journal Information: Phytopathology; (United States), Journal Name: Phytopathology; (United States) Vol. 61:8; ISSN PHYTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
CALCIUM
CATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
DATA
ELEMENTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FLOWERS
FOOD
FRUITS
GAMETES
GERM CELLS
GERMINATION
GROWTH
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IN VITRO
INFORMATION
INHIBITION
INORGANIC ACIDS
IONS
METALS
NUMERICAL DATA
PLANT GROWTH
POLLEN
SEEDS
TOMATOES
TOXICITY