Morphology-Based Evaluation of Pollen Fertility and Storage Characteristics in Male <i>Actinidia arguta</i> Germplasm

<i>Actinidia arguta</i> is a dioecious plant, and the selection of superior male germplasm is crucial for ensuring effective pollination of female cultivars, maximizing their economic traits, and achieving high-quality yields. This study evaluated 30 male germplasms for pollen quantity,...

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Main Authors: Hongyan Qin, Shutian Fan, Ying Zhao, Peilei Xu, Xiuling Chen, Jiaqi Li, Yiming Yang, Yanli Wang, Yue Wang, Changyu Li, Yingxue Liu, Baoxiang Zhang, Wenpeng Lu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-08-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/15/2366
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Summary:<i>Actinidia arguta</i> is a dioecious plant, and the selection of superior male germplasm is crucial for ensuring effective pollination of female cultivars, maximizing their economic traits, and achieving high-quality yields. This study evaluated 30 male germplasms for pollen quantity, germination capacity, storage characteristics, and ultrastructural features. Results revealed significant variation in pollen germination rates (1.56–96.57%) among germplasms, with ‘Lvwang’, ‘TL20083’, and ‘TG06023’ performing best (all >90% germination). The storage characteristics study demonstrated that −80 °C is the optimal temperature for long-term pollen storage in <i>A. arguta</i>. Significant variations were observed in storage tolerance among different germplasms. Among them, Lvwang exhibited the best performance, maintaining a germination rate of 97.40% after 12 months of storage at −80 °C with no significant difference from the initial value, followed by TT07063. Pollen morphology was closely correlated with fertility. High-fertility pollen grains typically exhibited standard prolate or ultra-prolate shapes, featuring a tri-lobed polar view and an elliptical equatorial view, with neat germination furrows and clean surfaces. In contrast, low-fertility pollen grains frequently appeared shrunken and deformed, with widened germination furrows and visible exudates. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are proposed: ① Prioritize the use of germplasms with pollen germination rates >80% as pollinizers; ② Establish a rapid screening system based on pollen morphological characteristics. This study provides important scientific basis for both male germplasm selection and efficient cultivation practices in <i>A. arguta</i> (kiwiberry).
ISSN:2223-7747