Biological value and morphological traits of pollen of selected garlic species Allium L.

Abstract

This study was conducted in the years 1997-1999. From the collection of the UMCS Botanical Garden, nine species of garlic were selected (A. aflatunense, A. atropurpureum, A. caeruleum, A. cernuum, A. ledebourianum, A. lineare, A. sphaerocephalon, A. victorialis, A. ursinum) and one subspecies (A. scorodoprasum subsp. jajlae). Pollen grain viability was evaluated on microscopic slides stained with acetocarmine, germination ability on the agar medium and measurements of grains were made on glycerin jelly slides. The studied species were characterized by high pollen viability (87-99%) what indicates the great value of garlic flowers as a source of protein-rich feed for honey-bee and wild pollinating insects. Very low germination of pollen on the agar medium was recorded. The length of the equatorial longitudinal axis ranged from 24.3 µm to 37.5 µm and it allowed pollen of most garlic species to be classified as medium-sized grains and only the pollen of A. caeruleum and A. cernuum was included in the group of small-sized grains.