The parallel expression of metal tolerance in pollen and sporophytes of Silene dioica (L.) Clairv., S. alba (mill.) krause and Mimulus guttatus DC.

The purpose of this paper was to determine if heavy metal tolerance was expressed in pollen and if its expression was correlated with the tolerance of the pollen source. Clones of Silene dioica, tolerant to zinc, closely related but nontolerant S. alba and clones of Mimulus guttatus tolerant and sensitive to copper were grown in the greenhouse in either standard potting soil or nutrient culture. Pollen was collected shortly after dehiscence, hydrated, and tested over a broad range of metal concentrations. The tolerance of the pollen source was determined by comparing root growth in solutions with and without heavy metals. In both Silene species and M. guttatus, the tolerance of the parental clone was expressed in its pollen. Pollen from tolerant individuals was able to germinate and grow at concentrations of metals which markedly inhibited pollen from nontolerants.