Foliar Application of Boron to Almond Trees Affects Pollen Quality
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The effect of boron (B) on in vivo and in vitro development of almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb (syn.
P. amygdalus Batsch)] pollen and pollen tubes and the resultant effect on fruit set was studied in mature trees. The
cultivars Mono (pistil donor) and Butte (pollinizer) in an orchard with low soil B in Fresno, California were sprayed with
B at 0, 0.8, 1.7, or 2.5 kg·ha–1 during Fall 1993. Pollen viability as indicated by the fluorescein diacetate method (FDA)
was >85% and was not affected by field-applied B, however, in vivo pollen germination and tube growth were enhanced
by foliar-applied B. More effect of applied B on in vivo growth appeared as pollen tubes progressed toward the ovary.
For in vitro germination, foliar-applied B reduced bursting of tubes, and addition of B to the culture media significantly
increased pollen germination and pollen tube growth
Keywords
Prunus dulcis, Pollination, Ffertilization, Pollen germination