Pollen Cryopreservation in Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)
摘要
Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an underutilized pulse crop which can withstand adverse environmental conditions such as drought, heat, salinity, waterlogging, pest, and diseases. Cryopreservation of pollen grains is a viable method for conservation and exchange and facilitates the breeding program of grass pea genetic resources. Long-term storage of pollen grains is important for the fertilization of spatially or temporally isolated female parents, especially in the hybrid breeding program. This protocol chapter covers several critical steps in pollen collection, viability assessment, dehydration, and storage in liquid nitrogen at −196 °C for successful pollen cryopreservation of grass pea. The development of an effective long-term storage protocol of grass pea pollen ensures the availability of pollen for grass pea breeding throughout the year.