Pollen biology and reproductive ecology of selected paleotropical Dendrobiums and its commercial hybrids

Understanding the reproductive biology is of great importance in development novel hybrids ornamental plants. Pollen fitness-related traits are crucial for pollination success any plant species including dendrobiums. The aim study was to determine and compare fitness ten commercial Dendrobium two indigenous species, D. crumenatum anosmum found Sri Lanka. We measured pollen viability, germinability, fruit production after controlled pollination. effect storage temperature on viability evaluated establish a suitable method improve future breeding programmes, as flowering dendrobiums seasonal. ecology selected studied by observations visits natural pollinators assessing floral morphology predict their potential pollinators. Six had non-viable while showed highest germinability under both vivo vitro conditions. Ninety percent failed germination whereas conditions 50% were successful. Self-incompatibility observed hand-pollination can be stored weeks at 9°C maintaining germinability. Selected have shown adaptations melittophily, suggesting bees. Findings indicated reduction male most higher set seen selfing than cross-pollination. present provides information developing conservation strategies hybridization programmes paleotropical