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Protection of pollen germination from adverse temperatures: a possible role for proline
Author(s) -
HONGQI ZHANG,
CROES A. F.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
plant, cell and environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 200
eISSN - 1365-3040
pISSN - 0140-7791
DOI - 10.1111/1365-3040.ep11588117
Subject(s) - pollen , germination , proline , incubation , pollen tube , biology , human fertilization , heat stress , horticulture , botany , agronomy , pollination , biochemistry , amino acid , zoology
After germination, pollen grains of Lilium longiflorum became very sensitive to short periods of heat stress as shown by the greatly reduced germination percentages upon subsequent incubation at the optimal temperature. Addition of proline to the incubation medium made pollen more resistant to heat. It was demonstrated that in a short time a large amount of proline was taken up by the cell. Germination and metabolic functions were completely or partially protected from heat damage by proline treatment. As well, it was shown that proline treatment at least partially protected pollen grains from cold stress. These results suggest that the high proline concentrations found in pollen of many species may confer resistance to germinating pollen grains at unfavourable temperatures thereby enhancing the chances of successful fertilization.