Pollen viability and the preliminary study of pollen preservation method of Amorphophallus koratensis Gagnep. (Araceae), the potential exotic ornamental plant

Amorphophallus koratensis Gagnep., a native species in Indochina, has become a potential ornamental plant. According to an asynchronous maturation of male and female organ on its spadix, pollen viability as well as the preliminary study of pollen preservation method of A. koratensis are conducted to open future opportunity for its artificial pollination which could be useful in Amorphophallus breeding programs. Pollen viability and longevity after various storage conditions were tested by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride assays. The result showed that the highest number of viable pollen was 93.2% at the first day after anthesis and dramatically declined at the third day after anthesis until floral senescence. Cryopreservation (-196°C) is the suitable preservation method providing the maximum rate of pollen viability (33.8%) after 7 days of storage. Further study on stigma receptivity and the optimal condition for A. koratensis pollen germination is necessary.