Phenotypic Correlations among Pollen Quality and Morphological Traits of <i>Saintpaulia</i>

Abstract

In order to estimate the correlation between pollen viability, germination and the morphological traits, 15 Saintpaulia genotypes were analysed. Pollen viability was obtained by staining with potassium iodide (25%) and germination was estimated using solid nutrient medium (15% sucrose, 85% humidity, 22 °C temperature). Several morphological traits such as number of flowers, diameter of leaves rosette, number of leaves, length and width of leaves and petiole length were evaluated to determine growth indices. The results obtained indicated that ‘Hot Pink Bell’ genotype achieved the highest number of flowers and the largest diameter of leaves rosette. Genotypes ‘Tomahawks’ and S. grotei recorded the highest number of leaves. Higher width of leaves values was obtained in ‘Aloha Orchid’, while genotype ‘Park Avenue Blue’ was noted for a high length of leaves. Positive correlations were recorded among viability and germination in S. jonantha, S. rupicola and S. grotei. Significant positive correlation was registered between pollen viability and the number of flowers, but also between germination and the number of flowers per plant. The results indicated a possible correlation between viability, germination capacity and the morphological traits in most genotypes studied.