THE MALE GAMETOPHYTE OF ZEA MAYS L.: II. IN VITRO GERMINATION

Abstract

Results from a series of experiments designed to establish a suitable environment for the in vitro germination of corn pollen are reported. A medium consisting of 0.35 M sucrose, 300 p.p.m. CaCl₂, and 100 p.p.m. H₃BO₃ with or without 0.7% special agar-Noble in a high relative humidity was found consistently to support germination of su₁/su₁ corn pollen in excess of 70% depending upon the condition of the pollen. Sampling error has been reduced to 2%, experimental error to 3%, and with ample replication, least significant range values of 10% germination at the 5% level of significance can be attained.