Aspects of the floral biology and pollen properties of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp (Fabaceae)

The present work had the objective of collecting information pertaining to the floral biology and properties related with the viability and germinability of black-eyed bean (Vigna unguiculata) pollen grains. The study was conducted in the municipal area of Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brazil during the months of April to June of the year 2011. In the climate and soil conditions of the study area, V. unguiculata anthesis is diurnal, occurring from 5.30 to 9.30 a.m. Over 90% of pollen grains remained viable, but the germinability rate was under 40% in vitro. This information is relevant to subsidize bean crop pollination and genetic improvement programs.   Key words: Horticulture, genetic resources, pollination.