Research in Plant Metabolites

Research in Plant Metabolites

Evaluation of the Biochemical Compounds of Pollen Grains of some Date Palm Genotypes: A Case Study of Khuzestan Province (Iran)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mokhtar Heidari 1
Mostafa Rahmati-Joneidabad 2
Parzhak Zofan 3
Leila Latif Zadeh 4
1 Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran
2 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran
3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz
4 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan
10.22034/jrpsm.2025.527566.1072
Abstract
Pollen grain, as the male gametophyte in plants, plays a key role in pollination and the production of fruits and seeds. In addition to its importance in breeding studies, the medicinal effects and nutritional value of pollen are also significant. Date palm is a horticultural plant that requires artificial pollination. Due to the importance of selecting appropriate male genotypes, evaluating pollen quality is crucial. However, limited information is available regarding the biochemical composition of pollen from different date palm genotypes. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical compounds of pollen from several male date palm genotypes in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Pollen samples from 12 male genotypes were collected from two regions, Dasht-e Azadegan and Behbahan. Results showed significant differences among the genotypes in terms of total soluble protein, soluble amino acids, ash percentage, pentoses, glucose, total soluble carbohydrates, antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, and carotenoids. Genotype Dasht-e Azadegan-8 had the highest soluble protein content (204.1 µg/g fresh weight), while Dasht-e Azadegan-7 and Dasht-e Azadegan-5 had the highest soluble amino acid content (14.4 and 13.8 µg/g, respectively). The highest ascorbic acid content was found in Dasht-e Azadegan-7 (40.9 mg/100g fresh weight), and the highest ash content in Dasht-e Azadegan-2 (6.08%), with the lowest in Kabkab-1 (3.94%). Dasht-e Azadegan-4 had the highest pentose content, while Dasht-e Azadegan-5, -8, and -3 showed the highest glucose levels. Dasht-e Azadegan-8 had the highest non-structural soluble carbohydrate content. Genotypes Dasht-e Azadegan-9 and Khassi-2 exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. The highest total phenolic content was recorded in Dasht-e Azadegan-1 (176.04 µg/g), and the lowest in Khassi-2 and Kabkab-2. These findings can be utilized to select superior male genotypes with higher pollen quality, assess their effects on fertility and fruit quality improvement, support breeding programs aimed at improving pollen traits, and explore the use of date palm pollen as a nutritional or medicinal compound.
Keywords
Antioxidant compounds
Flavonoids
Nutritional value
Pollen grain and Soluble carbohydrates
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