Effect of calcium on salt tolerance of Datura metel Linn. pollen during in vitro germination

Supplementation of chloride or sulphate salts to the basal germination medium inhibited both germination and tube growth of Datura pollen. Sulphate salts proved more inhibitory than chloride salts, irrespective of the associated cation. Inclusion of calcium into the germination medium proved beneficial in ameliorating the inhibitory effects of NaCl or Na₂SO₄ toxicity on pollen germination and subsequent tube growth. With the increasing level of NaCl or Na₂SO₄ in the germination medium pollen requirement in terms of CaCl₂ to produce optimal alleviation of tube growth increased. The effect of CaCl₂ to ameliorate Na₂SO₄ toxicity was less pronounced.