Studies on pollen storage and vitality difference of tea plant varieties

Pollen vitality of four different tea plant varieties under different storage conditions were tested by vitro germination method. Results demonstrate that storage temperature and drying processing can influence pollen vitality significantly. Low-temperature dry environment is in favor of pollen vitality maintaining. Pollen samples which are processed by drying agent under room temperature, 4 degrees C and -20 degrees C can maintain vitality for 7 days, 20 similar to 30 days and 30 similar to 40 days, respectively. Pollen sample which haven't processed by dry agent under room temperature, 4 degrees C and -20 degrees C can maintain vitality for 1 similar to 3 days, 10 days and 20 similar to 30 days, respectively. Different tea plant varieties have different pollen storage capacities. Among four testing varieties, Foxiang 3# loses pollen vitality the most quickly, while the Yabukita presents strong pollen storage capacity under all treatments.