The effect of fungicide application on pollen structure in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) plant

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate effect of Agri Fos 400 (400 g/L Mono and di-potassium phosphanate) which is a fungicide widely used on tomatoes grown in greenhouse on pollen structure of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The fungicide was applied to tomatoes at recommended dosage (400 mL/100 L tap water) by the manufacturing company. Measurements of pollen width-length, pore-crevice width-length and exine-intine layer thicknesses were made using a micrometric ocular. A reduction was observed in the values of fungicide group except for intine layer thickness when compared to the control. On the other hand, the fungicide caused changes on the surface layer of pollen. Papillae seen on the surface layer of pollen was damaged in the fungicide group.