[Objective] The aim was to explore the most efficient medium for pollen germination and suitable pollen storage temperature for three different hawthorn species in Xinjiang, and to lay foundation for the development and utilization of wild hawthorn resources. [Method] A randomized block design was adopted to select the most suitable concentrations of sucrose and boric acid in the medium for pollen germination under in vitro culture. The vitality of the pollens stored at different tem- peratures for six mouths was measured once every 10 d using the optimum medi- um selected in above steps. [Result] The most efficient medium for Altai hawthorn pollen germination was 1% agar ＋ 0.05% boric acid ＋ 15% sucrose, and its germi- nation rate in this medium was 30.8%; the most suitable medium for crabapple hawthorn pollen germination was 1% agar ＋ 0.01% boric acid ＋ 15% sucrose, and its germination rate in this medium was 58.7%; and the highest germination rate of Junggar hawthorn pollen was found in the medium containing 1% agar ＋ 0.01% boric acid ＋ 20% sucrose, and the germination rate reached 67.2%. There were extremely significant differences （P〈0.01） in germination rate between these treat- ments and others in each species. The pollen vitality of Altai hawthorn, crabapple hawthorn and Junggar hawthorn were lost completely after they were stored at room temperature for 40, 60 and 70 d; at 4-5 ℃ for 90, 130, and 140 d; or at -18 ℃ for 130, 160 and 170 d. Therefore, -18 ℃ was found the most efficient storage temperature for the three hawthorn species＇ pollen among the three different stor- age temperatures. [Conclusion] A certain concentration of sucrose and boric acid can promote pollen germination of the three hawthorn species. Under different stor- age temperatures, the pollen vitality of the three hawthorn species can maintain for a longer period at -18 ℃ than at 4-5 ℃, and for the shortest period at room tem- perature.
