Abstract
The genus Tibouchina is common in Brazil, mainly found in Atlantic Forest, in Southeast region. In this study the pollen viability was evaluated in five species of Atlantic Forest, T. cerastifolia, T. clinopodifolia, T. gracilis, T. pulchra and T. sellowiana, using three histochemical solutions: acetocarmine, Alexander and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. The variation of pollen viability was evaluated among the dimorphics anthers and among individuals. In T. pulchra and T. sellowiana it was also evaluated the variation among the two first days after flower openning. There was no variation related to anther dimorphism. Considering the two species with the longest flower longevity, the viability was similar in the first and second day in T. pulchra, but in T. sellowiana the pollen from the second day was less viable. The histochemical tests employed showed distinct rates of pollen viability. Rates of pollen viability were distinct among individuals in each species. The stain 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride showed the smaller viability. The results show that the treatments employed, sampling and flower longevity were factors related to pollen viability.
Key words:
histochemical solutions; pollen; pollination; reproduction