ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the pollen morphological and physiological characteristics of Zanthoxylum nitidum. Methods: The pollen grain viability was studied using an in vitro method and the optimal concentration of sucrose, H3BO3, and CaCl2 on pollen germination were investigated by 3414 test. At the same time it contrasted with the I2-KI and TTC methods to find the proper determination method for Z. nitidum pollen vitality. And then It was further studied that different storage time and methods had an effect on pollen grain viability by having established method. Pollen morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The I2-KI and TTC methods were not fit for determining the mature pollen vitality of Z. nitidum. The optimal medium was 10% sucrose + 0.1 mg/mL H3BO3 + 0.1 mg/mL CaCl2 on pollen germination in vitro and the pollen germination ratio was up to 66.67%. Pollen viability was the highest in 24 h and it could keep about 15 d in 4 ℃ environments. The pollen grains were 3-colpate prolate, with reticulate ornamentation. Conclusion: The determination and storage of pollen grain viability is established preliminarily to provide reliable basis of knowing physiological characteristics, breeding and taxonomy.