VITALITY OF PINE POLLEN (PINUS-SYLVESTRIS L AND PINUS-NIGRA ARNOLD) ON SITES WITH DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Fertilizing ability of pine pollen (Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus nigra A rnold) has been assessed according to pollen vitality tested in vitro (germination percentage and the length of the pollen tubes). Differenc es in pollen vitality between various sites have been found. Average p ollen germination fluctuated among site in Pinus sylvestris L. from 13 % to 74% and in Pinus nigra Arnold from 30% to 76%. The lowest pollen vitality was recorded in trees grown at extremely polluted sites (clos e to main town road). Analysis of variance has proved that pollen vita lity was significantly influenced by sites and years, namely by specif ic external conditions on given site in given year. Total pollen steri lity was not found what indicates certain tolerance of male reproducti ve organs to unfavourable environmental conditions.