Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Pollen Tube Growth and Monitoring (PTGM)

This procedure allows for assessing pollen viability, compatibility, and fertilization efficiency, essential for improving hybridization success and enhancing hybrid recovery in a breeding program. By tracking the elongation and development of pollen tubes, researchers can evaluate pollen-pistil interactions, identify factors affecting fertilization, and optimize cross-breeding techniques in Musa species. This SOP outlines the standardized methodology for monitoring pollen tube growth under controlled conditions to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of results in plantain and banana breeding programs.