Optimal conditions for anther dehiscence and long-term storage of the pollen of Capsicum annuum L. ‘Amato-bijin’

Pollen collection and storage conditions are important aspects to consider for horticulturally important crops. This study aimed to determine the optimal temperature under both dry and wet conditions for in vitro anther dehiscence and the optimal temperature under vacuum, nitrogen or carbon dioxide for long-term pollen storage of ‘Amato-bijin’. When the flowers were placed under dry condition for 6 h, anther dehiscence occurred, and pollen content increased, indicating that some hours after flowering are necessary to obtain a sufficient amount of pollen. Flowers were collected and kept in dry and wet conditions. The results showed that, under wet conditions, the pollen germination rate immediately after collection was maintained for 24 h, allowing anthers to dehisce and to obtain sufficient pollen. However, when anther dehiscence occurred under dry conditions, the pollen germination rate was less than half after 1 h, indicating that moisture was necessary to maintain the pollen activity. Furthermore, the pollen germination rate could be maintained at 10 to 25°C. Pollen collected and stored at -25°C for one year maintained a pollen germination rate of more than 7%, particularly under vacuum and nitrogen conditions. These results indicate that ‘Amato-bijin’ pollen can be easily stored at -25°C for one year. .