Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), commonly known as the “King of Bitters,” is a self-pollinated medicinal plant from the Acanthaceae family, valued for its potent therapeutic properties. However, increasing demand has led to overexploitation of wild populations, resulting in a significant loss of genetic diversity. This study establishes a standardized pollen cryopreservation protocol to enhance genetic conservation and support breeding programs. Pollen grains were optimally collected during peak flowering, from the second week of October to the third week of December, specifically at anther dehiscence between 9:30 and 11:00 A.M., ensuring maximum viability. After collection, pollen was dehydrated in a desiccator with zeolite granules for 1.5 h to attain a moisture content of 10–12%. For in vitro germination, Brewbaker and Kwack medium was supplemented with 15% sucrose, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, boric acid, and magnesium sulfate. Viability was assessed using the hanging drop method in a humid chamber at 25 ± 2 °C. Cryopreservation was carried out by wrapping the pollen in butter paper and aluminum foil before immersion in liquid nitrogen. Monthly post-thaw viability assessments were performed by rapid thawing at room temperature (27 ± 3 °C) for 2–3 min, followed by germination percentage determination. This protocol provides a reliable approach for preserving A. paniculata pollen, ensuring the availability of viable genetic material for future breeding efforts and sustainable cultivation.

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Pollen Cryopreservation in Andrographis paniculata

  • B. L. Navya,
  • P E Rajasekharan

摘要

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), commonly known as the “King of Bitters,” is a self-pollinated medicinal plant from the Acanthaceae family, valued for its potent therapeutic properties. However, increasing demand has led to overexploitation of wild populations, resulting in a significant loss of genetic diversity. This study establishes a standardized pollen cryopreservation protocol to enhance genetic conservation and support breeding programs. Pollen grains were optimally collected during peak flowering, from the second week of October to the third week of December, specifically at anther dehiscence between 9:30 and 11:00 A.M., ensuring maximum viability. After collection, pollen was dehydrated in a desiccator with zeolite granules for 1.5 h to attain a moisture content of 10–12%. For in vitro germination, Brewbaker and Kwack medium was supplemented with 15% sucrose, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, boric acid, and magnesium sulfate. Viability was assessed using the hanging drop method in a humid chamber at 25 ± 2 °C. Cryopreservation was carried out by wrapping the pollen in butter paper and aluminum foil before immersion in liquid nitrogen. Monthly post-thaw viability assessments were performed by rapid thawing at room temperature (27 ± 3 °C) for 2–3 min, followed by germination percentage determination. This protocol provides a reliable approach for preserving A. paniculata pollen, ensuring the availability of viable genetic material for future breeding efforts and sustainable cultivation.