Novel counting methodology and its use in diagnosing avocado (Persea americana Mill.) pollen abnormalities

A novel pollen counting methodology, believed to be the first of its kind, was used to counteract the problem of inconsistent cutting depths encountered with semithin sectioning preparations for light microscopy. This was used to detect and quantify problems with the pollen in anthers of avocados (Persea americana Mill.). This methodology is useful in detecting abnormally developed pollen in cold-susceptible plants, like avocados. Brief analysis of avocado pollen using this method suggests pollen health is dependent on sufficiently warm temperatures late in the flower development process if the pollen is to mature properly. This methodology thus allowed for the distinction to be made between ‘healthy’, ‘deformed’ and ‘empty’ pollen, warranting further study to determine what physiological mechanisms cause these deformities. This is especially important for species like the avocado, where fruit set is already compromised by low pollination rates within the orchard.