SEM Observation on the Pollen Morphology of Pollinated Species and Cultivars in Apple

The pollen morphology of pollinated species and cultivars in apples were studied by SEM. The results showed that pollen configuration of pollinated species and cultivars was approximately similar, and its side view was long oval, and its polar view was triangular or roughly round. All cultivars had 3 colporates that annularly distributed in equal space，and the pollens belonged to N3P4C5 model. The sculptural type of species was vertical stripes with many stripes and punctures in the exine sculptures. It was worth emphasizing that the morphology and distribution of the stripes and punctures were distinctly different among 5 species. Exine scuptures could be used as the basis for identifying species according to ridge characteristics and pollen size, Xinnonghong and Hehong could be the most primitive type, Hongjiangjun and Meiguobahao could be the more primitive type, while Meihong could be the more evolutionary type.