The aims of this work were to compare evaluation methods of pollen quality and to evaluate the influence of giberellic acid (GA3) on the efficiency of crossing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes. Both studies were carried out at Embrapa Clima Temperado headquarters, Pelotas-RS. The first study was accomplished in the Plant Breeding Laboratory, in the spring of 2003 and autumn-winter of 2004. The carmin propionic and the pollen fertility of two agar, sugar and boro media (culture medium 1 and culture medium 2) were evaluated, using five potato genotypes. The second study was carried out at greenhouse, in the autumn-winter of 2004. A GA3 solution of 25mg.L-1 was sprayed on 15 potato genotypes that are used as genitors in the breeding program. One concluded that both growing media can be used for potato pollen quality evaluation, and the influences of GA3 on the crossing efficiency is dependent of the genotype.
Solanum tuberosum; true potato seeds; growth regulator
