Viability assessment of quince cuttings (Cydonia Mill.) and pear pollen (Pyrus L.) after cryoconservation in liquid nitrogen vapor (-183185°C)

Abstract

The viability of cuttings before and after cryopreservation in nitrogen vapor was assessed on six varieties of quince and seven varieties of pear pollen taken for study in the field gene bank of the Krymsk Experimental Breeding Station – VIR branch. Post-cryogenic evaluation showed that the viability of quince cuttings averaged 51.0±2.8%, which exceeds international standards (40%) and the requirement for specimens recovered after cryostorage. Storage of cuttings at -5°C can be used for a short period of time, up to 1-1.5 years. The viability of pear pollen revealed small initial values after collection in the garden (from 0 to 6.95%), but it increased in varieties by 4-10 times after cryopreservation in nitrogen vapor. According to the initial values, the Georgievskaya Early variety stood out 6.95%, and after cryopreservation 52.81% and Suksen early ripening (4.37% initial value and 47.5% after cryopreservation), Elite 12-69-37 with zero initial value after cryo pollen viability was 25.75%.