Loss of pollen viability of Cassia siamea Lamk. Following treatment with arsenic.

The present paper deals with the effect of Arsenic on pollen viability of C assia siamea Lamk. A significant loss of viability has been noticed followi ng exposure to As in the concentration of 10(-6)-1 ppm. Pollen germination (67%) and tube length (630 mu m) were maximum at 10% sucrose supplemented w ith 200 mu g/ml boric acid. When this nutrient was mixed with 10(-6)-1 ppm As, the per cent germination and tube length showed a drastic decline. Addi tion of 300 mu g/ml Ca(NO3)(2) to the As-containing nutrient minimized the inhibitory effect of As on pollen viability.