Pollen germination capacity and viability in Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) standley (Cucurbitaceae)

Present investigation of pollen germination and viability pertain to a monoecious species lagenaria siceraria (molina) standley belonging to cucurbitaceae. the pollen germination was examined up to 48 weeks in different concentrations of sucrose and boric acid solutions using hanging drop technique. viability under storage was determined by storing pollen in different humidity conditions in a refrigerator (4°c),freezer (-20°c. -30°c),freeze drier (-60°c). the pollen were also treated in vacuum and in organic solvents. pollen stored at low temperature showed better percentage of germination compared to pollen stored at 4°c and fresh. freeze dried pollen (- 60°c) showed the highest percentage of germination.