In vitro studies on the pollen viability and germination of Impatiens cordata Wight. an endemic species of the Southern-Western Ghats

Impatiens cordata is an endemic balsam in the southern Western Ghats. The present work aimed to study pollen morphology, fertility, viability, cytology, and in vitro pollen germination studies of I. cordata. The study also focused on finding a relationship between pollen viability and germination. The results revealed that the I. cordata pollen grains are elliptical and quadrangular. The pollen grains are bicellular, mainly tetracolpate, with some tricolpate occurrences, and have reticulate exine ornamentation. Brew baker’s medium supplemented with 5% sucrose had the most remarkable ability to germinate in vitro. The stain and the number of days significantly affect germination. The peak of pollen viability was observed on the day of anthesis. The results of the Alexander stain were more strongly correlated with in vitro germination and suggested that for pollen viability studies, the Alexander stain is considered the best stain compared to others.