A training program on “Pollen cryopreservation for hybrid seed production in vegetable crops” was offered to two officials of Nirmal Seeds (Mr. D.G. Zamadar and Mr. B.P Jadav) Maharashtra. Dr. P.E. Rajasekharan, Principal Scientist, Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops, delivered a lecture on “The Science of cryopreservation and pollen viability assessment techniques”. The practical sessions included pollen extraction, in vitro viability assessment, staining, pollen storage and in vivo fertility assessment of the crops viz., Tomato, Chilli, Bottle gourd, Ridge gourd, Okra. The valedictory function of the training programme was held on 27 March, 2023. The trainees, Dr. P.E. Rajasekharan (Training Director), Dr. Himabindu (Nodal Officer, ITMU and CPC and Dr. Tejaswini (Head, Flower and Medicinal Crops) were present. The Dr. Debi Sharma, Director (I/c), ICAR-IIHR, distributed certificate to participants for successfully completing the training and Dr. P.C Tripathi, Nodal Officer PME Cell presented a kit-to-do pollen work.
