Enhancing Hybrid Seed Production Through Pollen Cryopreservation
摘要
Cryopreservation is an ex situ conservation method used to preserve plant tissues, such as seeds, meristematic tissues, pollen, somatic and zygotic embryos, buds, callus, and suspension cultures, by storing them in liquid nitrogen at an ultra-low temperature of −196 °C. Among these, pollen cryobanking has gained significant attention as a valuable resource in hybridization programs, particularly for species that are challenging to crossbreed. This technique enables access to viable pollen stored at cryogenic temperatures, effectively addressing seasonal, geographical, and physiological barriers that often impede hybridization efforts. By facilitating hybrid creation across different genera and species, pollen cryopreservation enhances the effectiveness of breeding programs. It ensures the viability of pollen over time, synchronizes flowering times, and supports the development of hybrids with broader genetic diversity, improved yields, and enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.