OBJECTIVETo provide theoretical basis for artificial cross breeding of Angelica dahurica from Sichuan and Hebei Province, the characteristics of stigma receptivity and the viability and life-span of pollen were studied.

METHODThe viability and life-span of pollen were evaluated by TTC (2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazlium chloride) test, and the stigma receptivity was estimated by benzidine-H2O2 method.

RESULTThe pollen viability of A. dahurica from Sichuan and Hebei provinces was increased gradually since the bud stage, but those levels had since subsided after the pollen release from craze antheral. There was a little difference in the pollen viability of A. dahurica from Sichuan at different branches. While the order of the pollen viability of A. dahurica from Hebei was main stem < first-order branching < second-order branching. At room temperature, the pollen viability of both decreased during time of anthers dehiscing but also above 50% after 5 days. Compared with 4 degrees C and room temperature, conservation at - 20 degrees C could extend life of the pollen. The stigma had receptivity in 4th day and reached the highest level in the 6th day after blooming.

CONCLUSIONThe optimum artificial pollination times of A. dahurica was 6 days after blooming and choose the pollen in the peak stage of anthers dehiscing.