Influence of Boric Acid and Sucrose on the Germination and Growth of Areca Pollen

This study investigates the effect of boric acid and sucrose on the germination and growth of Areca catechu L (areca palm). Using areca pollen from Hainan, China, this study determines the influence of culture media with different concentrations of boric acid and sucrose on the germination and growth of areca pollen. Results show that the germination and growth of the pollen tube growth are highest under a boric acid concentration of 0.4 g/L to 0.6 g/L. The germination rate of areca pollen is highest in solid medium with a sucrose concentration of 40 g/L. The optimum culture medium for developing areca pollen comprises 5 g/L agar, 0.4 g/L to 0.6 g/L boric acid, 40 g/L sucrose, and water. Furthermore, areca pollen grows most rapidly approximately 1.5 h after in vitro cultivation at normal temperature, and growth stabilizes at approximately 3 h. The principle that governs the development of areca pollen is also discussed.