High frequency 2n pollen formation in black poplar (Populus nigra L.) induced by colchicine

Populus nigra L. is one of the most important male genetic donors in populus genetic improvement and tree breeding over the world. Many excellent Populus nigra clones are identified as triploids potentially obtaining by hybridization of 2n pollen and normal oogamete. This study revealed the cytological mechanism of 2n pollen formation in Populus nigra L. for the first time and concluded the best treated combination of colchicine treatment, which obtained 2n pollen with the highest rate reaching at 87.11% (even 100% 2n pollen in some floral buds) which made the polyploid hybridization utilizing 2n pollen in section Aigeiros possible.