Abstract

The grapevines (Vitis vinifera, L.) are cultured widely in Maragheh and are made one of the most important commercial fruit crops of its regions. Most of the cultivars are growing with their fruits or are used in rasine, juice and fresh fruits forms. However, pollination is the main factor affecting fruit set and knowledge about pollen traits of cultivars is necessary to plan the vineyards establishment and breeding programs. This study was accomplished to investigate pollen traits of 15 main grape cultivars ('Fakhri', 'Hosaini', 'Khalili', 'Keshmeshi'('Sefide bidaneh), 'Lale bidaneh', 'Garmian', 'Gizil uzum', 'Sahebi', 'Jigh jigha', 'Shahani', 'Soltanin', 'Rish baba', 'Syahe malahi', 'Razeghi' ('Peikami') and 'Tabarzeh') which are grown in Maragheh. Pollens of cultivars gathered and cultured in the in vitro medium contained sucrose, boric acid and agar. Pollen germination percentage and tube growth were studied by light microscope. Experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design was (CRD) and data were analyzed with SAS software. Pollen germination percentage and tube growth rate showed significant differences among all of the studied cultivars. Finally, cultivars 'Fakhri', 'Khalili', 'Keshmeshi' 'Lale bidane' and 'Rish baba' showed the highest range of pollen germination, tube growth rate, longevity and selected for vineyards establishment and breeding programs.

Key words: Grapevine, vineyards, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, pollen longevity, breeding programs