Germination of the threadlike pollengrains of the seagrass Zostera marina L.

Abstract

The threadlike pollengrains of Zostera marina L. appeared to germinate with short protuberances (average 5–10 μm) in natural seawater and its dilutions of 75% and 50%, but seldom in artificial seawater. Very long pollentubes of more than 100 μm were only observed on the stigmata. From the tested media only 100% 75 % and 50% seawater with 10% saccharose and extract from pistils showed a stimulating effect on pollentube germination and growth.