Browsing by Author "Shushu, Deborah David"

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    Ecophysiological studies of sugarcane var. c0421 with reference to pollen fertility
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Shushu, Deborah David
    The effects of soil moisture stress and two plant growth hormones Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) on the growth and pollen fertility in sugarcane, (variety C0421) have been investigated. Different methods of hormone application were also assessed. Pollen fertility was evaluated by the standard staining methods and pollen germination in vitro. Environmental factors humidity, light and temperature as factors controlling pollen germination were also investigated. Water stress was found to affect proper anther development reduce pollen size and decrease pollen fertility. However it was found to have no effect on brix content. IAA increased pollen fertility: A concentration of 100 ppm was found to be the optimum level. However, it had no effect on stem elongation and brix content. GA3 in contrast decreased pollen fertility and caused stem elongation. It also had no effect on brix content. Pollen stainability and pollen germination in vitro gave similar results. Different methods of application of hormones gave different results. Syringe method was found to be the most effective method. Pollen germination was found to be controlled by environmental condition. No germination was obtained at very low humidity level and at low temperatures. Light conditions affected both germination and pollen tube growth. Light intensity of 300 f.c. was found to reduce pollen germination