Role of Wall-bound β-Glucanases in Regulating Tip-growth of Lilium longiflorum Pollen Tubes

Glucanases were found in the cell wall of Lilium longiflorum Thunb. pollen tubes grown in vitro . The activity of β_glucanases was, in a certain extent, decreased by nojirimycin, an inhibitor of glucosidase. Pollen germination percentage reduced dramatically when nojirimycin was applied in the culture medium. In case that nojirimycin was added at 0 or 1 h after the onset of incubation, the inhibition rate was 99.6% and 91.4%, respectively. When 3 mmol/L of nojirimycin was applied in the liquid medium at 0, 1, 1.5 and 2 h after the onset of incubation, the growth of pollen tubes was interrupted, which resulted in the morphological change of the pollen tubes such as the newly grown portion of pollen tubes being bent, curved and swollen. Tracing the growth pattern of the individual pollen tube grown in semi_solid medium by video microscopy, the authors demonstrated that pollen tube growth rate was strongly inhibited by nojirimycin at concentrations ranged from 0.003 to 3 mmol/L. Moreover, the cytoplasmic arrangement and the morphology of the pollen tubes were also affected by nojirimycin. The growth inhibition brought about by nojirimycin was reversible. These results indicated that β_glucanases, which degrade 1,3_β_glucan and/or 1,4_β_glucan or 1,3:1,4_β_glucan constructed in the cell wall, are involved in pollen germination and pollen tube growth. It provides new insight into an understanding of the contribution of β_glucanases to the cell wall extensibility and the crucial role of cell wall in regards to the regulation of pollen tube growth.

Ion Implantation Hampers Pollen Tube Growth and Disrupts Actin Cytoskeleton Organization in Pollen Tubes of Pinus thunbergii

Pollen grains of Pinus thunbergii Parl. （Japanese black pine） were implanted with 30 keV nitrogen ion beams and the effects of nitrogen ion implantation on pollen tube growth in vitro and the organization of actin cytoskeleton in the pollen tube cell were investigated using a confocal laser scanning microscope after fluorescence labeling. Treatment with ion implantation significantly blocked pollen tube growth. Confocal microscopy showed that ion implantation disrupted actin filament cytoskeleton organization in the pollen tube. It was found that there was a distinct correlation between the inhibition of pollen tube growth and the disruption of actin cytoskeleton organization, indicating that an intact actin cytoskeleton is essential for continuous pollen tube elongation in Pinus thunbergii. Although the detailed mechanism for the ion-implantation-induced bioeffect still remains to be elucidated, the present study assumes that the cytoskeleton system in pollen grains may provide a key target in response to ion beam implantation and is involved in mediating certain subsequent cytological changes.

Identification and functional analysis of arabinogalactan protein expressed in pear pollen tubes

Arabinogalactan proteins(AGPs)are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play a vital role during the process of plant sexual reproduction.In this study,we performed a comprehensive identification of the PbrAGPs expressed in pear pollen and further explored their influences on pollen tube growth.Among the 187 PbrAGPs that were found to be expressed in pear pollen tubes,38 PbrAGPs were specifically expressed in pollen according to the RNA-seq data.The PbrAGPs were divided into two groups of highly expressed and specifically expressed in pear pollen.We further tested their expression patterns using RT-PCR and RT-qPCR.Most of the PbrAGPs were expressed in multiple tissues and their expression levels were consistent with reads per kilobase per million map reads(RPKM)values during pollen tube growth,implying that PbrAGPs might be involved in the regulation of pear pollen tube growth.We also constructed phylogenetic trees to identify the functional genes in pear pollen tube growth.Therefore,19 PbrAGPs(PbrAGP1 to PbrAGP19)were selected to test their influences on pollen tube growth.Recombinant proteins of the 19 PbrAGP-His were purified and used to treat pear pollen,and 11 of the PbrAGP-His recombinant proteins could promote pear pollen tube growth.Additionally,pollen tube growth was inhibited when the expression levels of PbrAGP1 and PbrAGP5 were knocked down using an antisense oligonucleotide assay.PbrAGP1 and PbrAGP5 were localized in the plasma membrane and might not alter the distribution of pectin in the pollen tube.In summary,this study identified the PbrAGPs expressed in pear pollen and lays the foundation for further exploring their functions in pollen tube growth.

Targeting of Pollen Tubes to Ovules Is Dependent on Nitric Oxide （NO） Signaling

The guidance signals that drive pollen tube navigation inside the pistil and micropyle targeting are still, to a great extent, unknown. Previous studies in vitro showed that nitric oxide （NO） works as a negative chemotropic cue for pollen tube growth in lily （Lilium Iongiflorum）. Furthermore, Arabidopsis thaliana Atnosl mutant plants, which show de- fective NO production, have reduced fertility. Here, we focus in the role of NO in the process of pollen-pistil communication, using Arabidopsis in-vivo and lily semi-vivo assays. Cross-pollination between wild-type and Atnosl plants shows that the mutation affects the pistil tissues in a way that is compatible with abnormal pollen tube guidance. Moreover, DAF- 2DA staining for NO in kanadi floral mutants showed the presence of NO in an asymmetric restricted area around the micropyle. The pollen-pistil interaction transcriptome indicates a time-course-specific modulation of transcripts of AtNOS1 and two Nitrate Reductases （nrl and nr2）, which collectively are thought to trigger a putative NO signaling pathway. Semivivo assays with isolated ovules and lily pollen further showed that NO is necessary for micropyle targeting to occur. This evidence is supported by CPTIO treatment with subsequent formation of balloon tips in pollen tubes facing ovules. Activation of calcium influx in pollen tubes partially rescued normal pollen tube morphology, suggesting that this pathway is also dependent on Ca^2＋ signaling. A role of NO in modulating Ca^2＋ signaling was further substantiated by direct imaging the cytosolic free Ca^2＋ concentration during NO-induced re-orientation, where two peaks of Ca^2＋ occur--one during the slowdown/stop response, the second during re-orientation and growth resumption. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the participation of NO signaling events during pollen-pistil interaction. Of special relevance, NO seems to directly affect the targeting of pollen tubes to the ovule＇s micropyle by modulating the action of its diffusible factors.

The signals to trigger the initiation of ovule enlargement are from the pollen tubes: The direct evidence

In angiosperms, initiation of ovule enlargement represents the start of seed development, the molecular mechanism of which is not yet elucidated. It was previously reported that pollen tube contents, rather than double fertilization, can trigger ovule enlargement. However, it remains unclear whether the signal（s） to trigger the initiation of ovule enlargement are from the sperm cells or fromthe pollen tubes. Recently, we identified a mutant dropl- drop2-, which produces pollen tubes with no sperm cells. Taking advantage of this special genetic material, we conducted pollination assays, and found that the ovules pollinated with dropl- drop2- pollen could initiate the enlargement and exhibited significant enlarged sizes at 36h after pollination in comparison with those unpollinated ovules. However, the sizes of the ovules pollinated with drops- drop2- pollen are significantly smaller than those of the ovules pollinated with wildtype pollen. These results demonstrate that the pollen tube, rather than the sperm cells, release the signal to trigger the initiation of ovule enlargement, and that double fertilization is required for further enlargement of the seeds.

Functional Cooperativity of Enzymes of Phosphoinositide Conversion According to Synergistic Effects on Pectin Secretion in Tobacco Pollen Tubes

The Arabidopsis phosphoinositide kinases PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 have been implicated in the control of directional vesicle trafficking underlying polar tip growth in pollen tubes. PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 catalyze key consecutive steps of phosphoinositide conversion, and it appears obvious that phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate formed by PI4Kβ1 might act as a substrate for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate formation by PIP5K5. However, this hypothesis has not been experimentally addressed and distinct localization patterns of PI4Kβ1, PIP5K5, and also PI-synthases （PIS） generating phosphatidylinositol suggest additional complexity. Here, the synergistic functionality of enzymes of phosphoinositide conversion was assessed. In tobacco and Arabidopsis pollen tubes, phosphoinositides influence the apical secretion of pectin, and increased pectin deposition results in characteristic morphological alterations. Catalytically active and dominant negative variants of PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 were systematically co-expressed in tobacco pollen tubes and the incidence of morphologies related to enhanced pectin secretion was evaluated. The data support a proposed functional interplay of PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 at the trans-Golgi network, mediating directional vesicle trafficking. Co-expression experiments additionally including PIS isoforms, PIS1 or PIS2, indicate that pectin secretion is synergistically mediated by PI4Kβ1 and PIPSK5 acting on Ptdlns formed by PIS2 rather than PIS1. Possible ramifications for the preferential channeling of phosphoinositide intermediates between particular isoforms of PI pathway enzymes are discussed.

Cytoskeleton in Pollen and Pollen Tubes of Ginkgo biloba L.

The distribution of F-actin and microtubules was investigated in pollen and pollen tubes of Ginkgo biloba L. using a confocal laser scanning microscope after fluorescence and immunofluorescence labeling. A dense F-actin network was found in hydrated Ginkgo pollen. When Ginkgo pollen was germinating, F-actin mesh was found under the plasma membrane from which the pollen tube would emerge. After pollen germination, F-actin bundles were distributed axially in long pollen tubes of G. biloba. Thick F-actin bundles and network were found in the tip of the Ginkgo pollen tube, which is opposite to the results reported for the pollen tubes of some angiosperms and conifers. In addition, a few circular F-actin bundles were found in Ginkgo pollen tubes. Using immunofluorescence labeling, a dense microtubule network was found in hydrated Ginkgo pollen under confocal microscope. In the Ginkgo pollen tube, the microtubules were distributed along the longitudinal axis and extended to the tip. These results suggest that the cytoskeleton may have an essential role in the germination of Ginkgo pollen and tube growth.

Regulation of Actin Dynamics in Pollen Tubes:Control of Actin Polymer Level

Actin cytoskeleton undergoes rapid reorganization in response to internal and external cues. How the dynamics of actin cytoskeleton are regulated, and how its dynamics relate to its function are fundamental questions in plant cell biology. The pollen tube is a well characterized actin-based cell morphogenesis in plants. One of the striking features of actin cytoskeleton characterized in the pollen tube is its surprisingly low level of actin polymer. This special phenomenon might relate to the function of actin cytoskeleton in pollen tubes. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying this special phenomenon requires careful analysis of actin-binding proteins that modulate actin dynamics directly. Recent biochemical and biophysical analyses of several highly conserved plant actin-binding proteins reveal unusual and unexpected properties, which emphasizes the importance of carefully analyzing their action mechanism and cellular activity. In this review, we highlight an actin monomer sequestering protein, a barbed end capping protein and an F-actin severing and dynamizing protein in plant. We propose that these proteins function in harmony to regulate actin dynamics and maintain the low level of actin polymer in pollen tubes.

Microtubule Depolymerization Affects Endocytosis and Exocytosis in the Tip and Influences Endosome Movement in Tobacco Pollen Tubes

Polarized organization of the cytoplasm of growing pollen tubes is maintained by coordinated function of actin filaments （AFs） and microtubules （MTs）. AFs convey post-Golgi secretory vesicles to the tip where some fuse with specific domains of the plasma membrane （PM）. Secretory activity is balanced by PM retrieval that maintains cell mem- brane economy and regulates the polarized composition of the PM, by dividing lipids/proteins between the shank and the tip. Although AFs play a key role in PM internalization in the shank, the role of MTs in exo-endocytosis needs to be characterized. The present results show that integrity of the MT cytoskeleton is necessary to control exo-endocytosis events in the tip. MT polymerization plays a role in promoting PM invagination in the apex of tobacco pollen tubes since nocodazole affected PM internalization in the tip and subsequent migration of endocytic vesicles from the apex for degradation. MT depolymerization in the apex and shank was associated with misallocation of a significantly greater amount of internalized PM to the Golgi apparatus and its early recycling to the secretory pathway. Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching （FRAP） experiments also showed that MT depolymerization in the tip region influenced the rate of exocytosis in the central domain of the apical PM.

Vacuolar Sorting Receptor （VSR） Proteins Reach the Plasma Membrane in Germinating Pollen Tubes

Vacuolar sorting receptors （VSRs） are type I integral membrane proteins that mediate the vacuolar transport of soluble cargo proteins via prevacuolar compartments （PVCs） in plants. Confocal immunofluorescent and immunogold Electron Microscope （EM） studies have localized VSRs to PVCs or multivesicular bodies （MVBs） and trans-Golgi network （TGN） in various plant cell types, including suspension culture cells, root cells, developing and germinating seeds. Here, we provide evidence that VSRs reach plasma membrane （PM） in growing pollen tubes. Both immunofluorescent and immunogold EM studies with specific VSR antibodies show that, in addition to the previously demonstrated PVC/MVB localization, VSRs also localize to PM in lily and tobacco pollen tubes prepared from chemical fixation or high-pressure freezing/frozen substitution. Such a PM localization suggests an additional role of VSR proteins in mediating protein transport to PM and endocytosis in growing pollen tubes. Using a high-speed Spinning Disc Confocal Microscope, the possible fusion between VSR-positive PVC organelles and the PM was also observed in living tobacco pollen tubes transiently expressing the PVC reporter GFP-VSR. In contrast, the lack of a prominent PM localization of GFP-VSR in living pollen tubes may be due to the highly dynamic situation of vesicular transport in this fast-growing cell type.

Arabidopsis PRK6 interacts specifically with AtRopGEF8/12 and induces depolarized growth of pollen tubes when overexpressed

The pollen receptor kinases (PRK) are critical regulators of pollen tube growth. The Arabidopsis genome encodes eight PRK genes, of which six are highly expressed in pollen tubes. The potential functions of AtPRK1 through AtPRK5, but not of AtPRK6,in pollen growth were analyzed in tobacco. Herein, AtPRK6 was cloned, and its function was identified. AtPRK6 was expressed specifically in pollen tubes. A yeast two-hybrid screen of AtPRK6 against 14 Arabidopsis Rop guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RopGEFs) showed that AtPRK6 interacted with AtRopGEF8 and AtRopGEF12. These interactions were confirmed in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts. The interactions between AtPRK6 and AtRopGEF8/12 were mediated by the C-termini of AtRopGEF8/12 and by the juxtamembrane and kinase domain of AtPRK6, but were not dependent on the kinase activity. In addition, transient overexpression of AtPRK6::GFP in Arabidopsis protoplasts revealed that AtPRK6 was localized to the plasma membrane. Tobacco pollen tubes overexpressing AtPRK6 exhibited shorter tubes with enlarged tips. This depolarized tube growth required the kinase domain of AtPRK6 and was not dependent on kinase activity. Taken together, the results show that AtPRK6,through its juxtamembrane and kinase domains (KD), interacts with AtRopGEF8/12 and plays crucial roles in polarized growth of pollen tubes.

In situ Localization and Isolation of Actin Filaments from Pollen Tubes of Amaryllis vittata Ait

Actin filaments (AFs) in un-fixed pollen tubes of Amaryllis vittata Ait were visualized after TRITC-phalloidin staining with DMSO as a permeabilising agent. Typically, strands or hundles of microfilaments (Mfs) were distributed in the extreme tip as well as pollen tubes in a form of network.Fluorescent granules or circles of various sizes were frequently found that continued with the filamentous structures. In addition, a more brightly stained structure, possibly Mf organizing center, was observed. Treatment of pollen tubes with cytochalasin D(CD)for increasing time intervals (5-40 minutes) caused gradual reduction of strands until flurescent granules filled up the pollen tubes. Mcanwhile, cytoplasmie streaming was inhibited completely. Though closely associated with vegetative nuclei (VN) and generative cells (GC), AFs were not found in the cytoplasm of GC.Mg++concentration greatly affected the isolated Mfs.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators on Pollen Germination and Growth of Xinjiang Apricots

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the influence of different plant growth regulators on apricot pollen germination and pollen tube growth. [Method] Pollens of six kinds of Xinjiang apricots were cultured in solid media supplemented with five plant growth regulators （GA3 , NAA, 2, 4-D, 6-BA, IAA）. Then the rate of pollen germination and the length of pollen tube were respectively measured. [Result] In a certain concentration range, GA3 most significantly promoted the pollen germination and the pollen tube growth of Shushanggan, Kalayulvke, Dayoujia, Yiliakeyulvke and Kabakehuanna; NNA had the strongest improvement function on Kumaiti’s pollen germination and pollen tube growth. [Conclusion] All the five plant growth regulators promoted the pollen germination and the pollen tube growth of apricots at low concentration but inhibited them at high concentration.

Effects of Ion Implantation on in Vitro Pollen Germination and Cellular Organization of Pollen Tube in Pinus thunbergii Parl. (Japanese Black Pine)

Low-energy ion implantation, as a new technology to produce mutation in plant breeding, has been widely applied in agriculture in China. But so far there is a little understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for its biological effects at the cellular level. Here we report the biological effects of a nitrogen ion beams of 30 keV on the pollen grains of Pinus thunbergii Parl. In general, ion implantation inhibited pollen germination. The dose-response curve presented a particular saddle-like pattern. Ion implantation also changed the dimension of the elongated tubes and significantly induced tip swelling. Confocal microscopy indicated that the pollen tube tips in P. thunbergii contained an enriched network of microtubules. Ion implantation led to the disruption of microtubules especially in swollen tips. Treatment with colchicine demonstrated that tip swelling was caused by the disruption of microtubules in the tip, indicating a unique role for microtubules in maintaining the tip integrality of the pollen tube in conifer. Our results suggest that ion implantation induce the disruption of microtubule organization in pollen and pollen tubes and subsequently cause morphological abnormalities in the pollen tubes. This study may provide a clue for further investigation on the interaction between low-energy ion beams and pollen tube growth.

Pollen Grain Germination and Pollen Tube Growth in Pistil of Rice

The germination of pollen grain in vitro and the growth of pollen tube in the pistil of rice were observed with a microscope. The stigma was removed at different time points after pollination to study its effect on seed setting rate. The rice pollen grain started to germinate at 2 min after pollination and the pollen tube penetrated stigma into style in 5-10 min, 30 min later the end of pollen tube reached the bottom of ovary, and only some pollen tubes arrived at embryo sac at 40 min after pollination. Meanwhile, a small amount of callose began to deposit in the pollen tubes, a great deal of callose was observed at 50 min after pollination, whereas the pollen grain began to shrink. The growing rates of pollen tube in the rice stigma, style and ovary were 1500, 5000, and 5400 μm/h, respectively. The seed setting rate was quite low when the stigma was removed at about 10-15 min after pollination, gradually increased when it removed at 20 min to 50 min after pollination, and over 60% when it removed at 50 min after pollination and finally tended to be stable.

Characterization and functional analysis of pollen-specific PwSWEET1 in Picea wilsonii

SWEET transporters play a pivotal role in sugar transport in plants.However,their functions in pollen tube growth,especially in coniferous species remain unknown.Here,we used RT-qPCR to reveal that a SWEET1 gene was specifically expressed in pollen and pollen tubes of Picea wilsonii.A pollen germination assay showed that PwSWEET1 was induced by H3BO3 but not by Ca^2+.In a sugar specificity experiment,sucrose(Suc)and glucose(Glc)were effective sugars for pollen germination and pollen tube growth.PwSWEET1 expression was induced most by Suc and Glc.Heterologous expression of PwSWEET1 in yeast showed that PwSWEET1 can restore the glucose absorption in yeast strain EBY.VW4000,which has a hexose absorption defect,and the absorption of glucose is pH-independent.This evidence supports the involvment of PwSWEET1 in boron-dependent glucose transport in pollen germination and pollen tube growth of Picea wilsonii.

Histological analysis of pollen-pistil interactions in sour passion fruit plants (Passiflora edulis Sims)

The success of sexual plant reproduction is directly influenced by specific interactions between the pollen and pistil.Light,fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to evaluate the steps of pollination in sour passion fruit plants(Passiflora edulis Sims).In the compatible interaction,pollen tubes grow through stigma projections towards the ovary.The pollen grain surface was found to be spheroidal and to consist of heteroreticulate exine with six colpi.Furthermore,analysis in vivo of pollenpistil interactions indicated that stigmas of flowers 24 hours before anthesis are unable to discriminate compatible(genetically unrelated)and incompatible(genetically related)pollen grains.Taken together,these results provide insight into the cellular mechanisms underlying pollination in passion fruit plants.

Inositol (1,4,5)-triphosphate Modulates Pollen Tube Polar Growth

In this article, the functions of D-myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins [1,4,5] P3) in regulating pollen tube polar growth were investigated by application of caged version of the phosphoinositides. To increase the intracellular Ins（1,4,5）P3 concentration at the apical region of pollen tube, the caged Ins（1,4,5）P3 loaded by osmotic shock was activated by 10 s 360 nm UV flash at this domain （10 μm from the tip）. More than 70% pollen tubes were induced swelling at apex and/or growth axis reorientation, accompanying temporarily growth arrest, by localized increase of Ins（1,4,5）P3 concentration （n=21）. While, pollen tubes without being loaded with caged Ins（1,4,5）P3 had not response to the same dosage UV flash. With FM 1-43 fluorescent staining, it was found that growth perturbation by UV activated caged Ins（1,4,5）P3 had tight link with membrane trafficking at the apical zone of pollen tubes. Upon UV pulse, the apical V-shaped bright area where was full of secretory vesicles spread to a much broader region, which implied that actin filaments at the apical region were remodeled. It was also observed that the FM 1-43 fluorescence intensity at tip remarkably increased than that before UV flash, which demonstrated that more secretory vesicles were accumulated at this region. To estimate the role of Ins（1,4,5）P3 in modulating intracellular calcium concentration and distribution, dextran conjugated fluorescent dye Calcium Green-1 and Rhodamine B were microinjected into pollen tubes together with caged Ins（1,4,5）P3. The results showed that calcium concentration at the subapical region increased upon UV released Ins（1,4,5）P3. Consequently, the tip-focused calcium gradient under the apical dome of pollen tube was disturbed. Simultaneously, the pollen tube bulged at the apical region and its growth rate decreased. As the tip-focused calcium gradient was reestablished, the pollen tube morphology and growth recovered to the normal level. Therefore, Ins（1,4,5）P3 can modulate pollen tube growth rate and direction through mobilizing intracellular calcium and regulating vesicle trafficking during pollen tube finding its way to the ovary.

Influence of Fungicides on Almond Pollen Germination and Fruit Set

The almond （Prunus dulcis） is a self-incompatible species that requires various orchard management techniques to encourage pollination and achieve a good fruit set. Fungicides are commonly applied to almond flowers to control fungaI infections, such as ＂blossom blight＂ and ＇brown rot＂ that damage the flowers and developing fruits. However there is evidence that the application of some of these products may adversely affect pollination and fruit set. The effects of the fungicides captan, chlorothalonyl, propiconazole, mancozeb and dichloran on fruit set were studied in an orchard using ＂Nonpareil＂ and ＂Carmel＂ almond trees. The effects on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube elongation were studied using ＂Carmel＂ pollen. With respect to Non Pareil fruit set, all fungicidal treatments were statistically similar to the control （11.5%） but being propiconazole （13.1%） and chlorotalonil （5.6%） different between them. Fruit set for ＂Carmel＂ was significantly lower than the control （26.1%） with all fungicidal treatments. After 24 hours, in vitro ＂Carmel＂ pollen germination was significantly higher in the control （90.5%） compared with the fungicidal treatments, with the exception of chlorothalonyl （70.2%）. Pollen tube growth in the control was four times greater than in the fungicide treatments at 24 hours, none of which were significantly different from the other treatments. It can be concluded that the application of certain fungicides has a clearly detrimental effect on fruit set in ＂Nonpareil＂ and ＂Carmel＂ almond trees and on ＂Carmel＂ pollen activity.

Pollen Germination and Pollen Tube Elongation of Tomato （Lycopersicum esculentum L.） Regulated by Cell Wall Invertase through Sucrose Hydrolysis

Sucrose is a sugar required for pollen germination and pollen tube elongation. It is little known on the regulation mechanism. As such, this research was conducted to reveal mechanism pathway of the sugar in regulating pollen germination and pollen tube elongation by cell wall invertase. The pollen grains, respectively originated from wild type and transgenic tomato plants, which had been silenced their inhibitor gene （INVINH1） of the cell wall invertase were used in this study. The pollen grains were cultured in media containing glucose, fi＇uctose or sucrose. Results of the study showed that percentage of the pollen germination derived from transgenic plants was much higher than that from wild type plants. Moreover, pollen tube elongation was longer in transgenic plants compared with wild type plants. Interestingly, these results were observed in medium containing sucrose only, but not in glucose and fructose. This result suggests that cell wall invertase activity regulates pollen germination and pollen tube elongation through sucrose hydrolysis.