Question

Pollen grains of a beautiful rose plant were used after a month of their release to pollinate a flower of the same species. Which one of the following events do you think will occur?

• A. The pollen will be rejected as it is no longer viable
• B. The pollen grains will germinate.
• C. Pollen grains will germinate once an insect visits the flower.
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B The pollen grains will germinate.

1. The viability of pollen grains in some members of Rosaceae, Leguminoseae and Solanaceae is maintained for months.
2. Since rose is a member of the Rosaceae family, its pollen grains will germinate even after a month of their release.
3. Insects are needed for pollination but not for the germination of pollen grains.
4. When the viable pollen grains are pollinated by the insects to the pistil, germination occurs.