Freeze preservation of gladiolus pollen

Viability and fertility profiles of cryopreserved gladiolus pollen from 7 cultivars have shown that it is possible to use cryogenic methods for conservation and management of the haploid gene pool in this species. There was no decline in pollen viability (in vitro) levels after 1 and 10 years of cryogenic storage. Field pollinations with cryogenic stored pollen induced capsule and seed set in varying capacities. Long-term cryogenic storage of gladiolus pollen could enhance breeding efficiency through better management of the haploid gene pool resources. Pollen parents could be made available throughout the breeding programme, ensuring guaranteed supply at the time of peak stigma receptivity. A ‘pollen cryobank’ facility established for this species would increase genetic diversity conservation at the haploid stage.