Botany Department, Lucknow University, Lucknow - 226007.
Green gram (Vigna radiata L. cv T-44) was grown in sand culture at sufficient (5.6 mg l−1 and deficient (0.56 mg l−1) levels of Fe supply. Iron deficiency induced chlorosis of leaves, delayed flowering and decreased the size and viability of pollen grains. Pollen development in iron deficient green gram was highly abnormal with irregluarities in exine deposition and tectum pattern. The area of stigma receptive to pollen grains was restricted and the stigmatic hairs were reduced in number and size. Redressal of Fe deficiency led to partial reversal of structural changes and viability of pollen grains.
Green gram, Fe deficiency, pollen grains
