Effects of Agricultural Chemicals on Pollen Growth as Modified by Calcium Ions

Abstract

The effects of certain fungicides, miticides, insecticides and other agricultural chemicals on the pollen growth of three ornamental species, Crinum asiaticum, Catharanthus roseusandNerium Oleander, were studied in relation to the protective action of Ca ions against pollen growth inhibition.
Pollen growth media cotaining various agricultural chemicals in the presence and absence of Ca ions were tested. Although pollen growth was, to a much greater extent, reduced by these chemicals, in the absence of Ca, the presence of Ca considerably protected pollen growth and generally increased the pollen viability. Ca was without effect when certain auxinic substances were used in the growth media.