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Title: Pecan pollen: cryopreservation for long-term storage

Author
item Volk, Gayle
item Walters, Christina
item Waddell, John
item Grauke, Larry

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/17/2013
Publication Date: 7/17/2013
Citation: Volk, G.M., Walters, C.T., Waddell, J.W., Grauke, L.J. 2013. Pecan pollen: cryopreservation for long-term storage. Program for the International Symposium on Pecans and Other Carya in Indigenous & Managed Systems. p.26.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A reliable protocol for pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] pollen preservation is beneficial for both breeding and conservation programs. This project used pollen harvested in 2007 and 2008 from the USDA-ARS Pecan Genetics and Breeding Program in Somerville, TX. Pollen were air dried and then shipped overnight to the USDA-ARS National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation in Fort Collins, CO. Moisture was adjusted by placing aliquots of pollen over saturated salt solutions of P2O5, LiCl, KAcetate, MgCl2, Ca(NO3)2, NaCl, and KCl. Equilibrated samples were stored at -190, -80, -18, 4, 25 or 35oC for up to three years. In vitro germination assays were performed using Marquard medium to determine viability after the various storage treatments. Longevity was dependent on water content and temperature during storage. Desiccated pollen stored at liquid nitrogen temperatures remained viable for at least 3 years. These stored pollen produced progeny when hand pollinations were performed on trees in the Somerville pecan orchards.