Microsporogenesis, structure and viability of pollen in Canscora decurrens Dalzell a potent medicinal plant

Abstract

The entire plant of Canscora decurrens (syn. C. diffusa) [15] is used in ancient and modern medicine for its broad spectrum pharmacological activities like anti-tumour, anti-microbial, anti-leukemic etc. Its potential role in treatment of central nervous system related disorders has been established undoubtedly. For its use on commercial scale, selection and production of high yielding cultivars by modern biotechnological approach is desired. For this it is imperative to know the pollen development (Microsporogenesis) and pollen viability. Knowledge of structure of pollen can add to pharmacognostic features for authentication of herbal material. Present study on meiosis, fluorescence microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated normal meiosis and pollen mitosis with 19 bivalents in C. decurrens. Prominent, gradual deposition of callose around pollen mother cell was observed. Pollen grains are elliptical and tricolpate with good viability.