Morphological Characterization, Pollen Viability, and Germinability Evaluation of Two Plumeria Species in the University of the Philippines Los Baños

Authors

Darel Kenth S. Antesco, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines; Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya Campus 156-8502, JapanFollow
Maria Charito E. Balladares, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 PhilippinesFollow
Alangelico O. San Pascual, Research Unit, DOST-Philippine Science High School Main Campus, Quezon City, 1101 PhilippinesFollow
Pablito M. Magdalita, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines; Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 PhilippinesFollow
Fernando C. Sanchez Jr, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 PhilippinesFollow

Publication Date

3-1-2025

Abstract

The genus Plumeria, locally known as kalachuci, is a popular ornamental tree belonging to the Apocynaceae family. The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) maintains a collection of Plumeria trees scattered across its campus; however, the origin of these trees remains unclear due to a lack of proper documentation. This study conducted morphological characterization and pollen analysis to provide information for further research. Results revealed the presence of 2 Plumeria species in the campus. P. obtusa has a linear leaf shape with acute tips and revolute margins while P. rubra has a lanceolate leaf shape. Additionally, P. obtusa has a green peduncle while P. rubra has a peduncle ranging from red to dark red. In terms of floral traits, P. obtusa produces white flowers while P. rubra has flowers with a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, and dark red. Pollen viability and pollen germinability analysis revealed that germinability varied significantly within and between species, whereas pollen viability remained similar for both. Both species exhibited high pollen viability observed through staining but low pollen germination. Furthermore, high pollen viability does not guarantee high germinability, as indicated by the weak correlation between these variables across species. To clarify the uncertain provenance of P. rubra variants, further research using molecular techniques and DNA markers for precise information is highly recommended.

Recommended Citation

Antesco, Darel Kenth S.; Balladares, Maria Charito E.; San Pascual, Alangelico O.; Magdalita, Pablito M.; and Sanchez, Fernando C. Jr (2025) "Morphological Characterization, Pollen Viability, and Germinability Evaluation of Two Plumeria Species in the University of the Philippines Los Baños," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 1, Article 10.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss1/10