Investigation on floral phenology, pollen viability and pollen germination in some apple genotypes in climate conditions of Kashmir

Abstract

This paper presents the floral phenology, Pollen viability and pollen germination in different apple cultivars in Kashmir valley. The experiment was designed to evaluate bloom synchronization and functional pollen ability between different apple cultivars. Ist March was taken as reference date for floral phenology evaluation, the varieties showing full bloom on same date were regarded as synchronous varieties. Four groups of synchronous varieties were observed. The first group included three varieties Starkrimson, Vista Bella, COE- Red Fuji and Mollies Delicious which showed full bloom on 11st April, the varieties Red Fuji, Red Chief, T.E. Worcestor, Royal Delicious and Top Red fell under 2nd group, showed full bloom on 12th April, 3rd group included Granny Smith, Spartan and Red Gold which showed full bloom on 14rd April and the 4th group consisted of American Apirouge and Golden Delicious, showed full bloom on 17th April. In terms of pollen viability and germination, the highest pollen viability (100%) was observed in Gold Spur, Spartan, Strarkrimson, M. floribunda, Golden Hornet, Mollies Delicious, Manchurian Scarlet Siberian and Golden Delicious. The highest pollen germination (69.34%) was recorded in Red Gold.