Polynic viability of desert rose (Apocynaceae) through colorimetric test

Abstract

Adenium obesum, popularly known as desert rose, is a species native from the regions of tropical Africa, that highlights for presenting exotic flowers whith varied and exuberant colors. There are still few studies that estimate the reproductive capacity of the plant based on it’s pollen variabillity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pollen viability of Adenium obesum in different colorimetric tests. The study was carried out in the didactic laboratory II of the State University of Mato Grosso, Campus of Alta Floresta - MT. The flower buds were collected in the urban area of the municipality. The following dyes were used to prepare the slides: Alexander's reactive; Lugol 2%; and the alternative dye, Jacaranda solution. The anthers were cut in transverse direction with the aid of a scalpel and placed on top of a slide, then 0,50 mL of dye was deposited, and the maceration was carried out with the aid of a glass stick, to release the pollen grains and a cover slip was placed over the set. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the tukey test with 5% probability. The test with Alexander's reactive showed the highest pollen viability values, followed by 2% Lugol and Jacarandá solution. For these estimates, considering the product’s efficience, the use of Alexander dye is recommended, and from an economic point of view, the use of the jacarandá solution, show satisfactory results