Y. He et al., THE EFFECTS OF A TRIAZOLE FUNGICIDE, PROPICONAZOLE, ON POLLEN GERMINATION, TUBE GROWTH AND CYTOSKELETAL DISTRIBUTION IN TRADESCANTIA-VIRGINIANA, Sexual plant reproduction, 8(4), 1995, pp. 210-216
The effects of propiconazole on germination and tube growth of Tradesc
antia virginiana pollen when incorporated in germination media at 0, 1
02, 136, or 170 mu l l(-1) were evaluated using light microscopy and i
mmunocytochemistry. Propiconazole inhibited pollen germination, cytopl
asmic streaming, and tube elongation. Treatments also induced abnormal
tube morphology and cytoskeletal distribution. Tubes treated with pro
piconazole displayed weaker microfilament (Mf) signals along the polle
n tubes, with amorphous staining. Microtubule (Mt) distribution was al
so severely affected. In treated tubes, the proximal portions had char
acteristically fragmented Mts. Fewer Mt bundles were seen in the subap
ical region, and these were located further from the apex. Propiconazo
le effects were generally concentration dependent. The results indicat
e that propiconazole affects both Mfs and Mts; however, the effects ma
y be an indirect result of the drug's influence on membranes.