Microscopic identification and purity determination of pollen grains.

Identification of pollen is like entering a world of great variation in size, shape, and structure. To obtain a correct result, a good microscope, basic information on pollen grain morphology and a reference sample of the plant to be identified are needed. Purity determination of pollen can be performed by particle count or by volumetric analysis. In our experience, particle counting is the better and most reproducible method and is not greatly influenced by interindividual variation. In this chapter, we have described the detailed procedure to obtain satisfactory results for identification and determination of pollen purity.