Pollen morphology, viability and in vitro germination are vital parameters for taxonomic classification, hybridization, artificial pollination and improving seed set in crop breeding. In the present study, we investigated the pollen morphological characteristics of four marigold genotypes using scanning electron microscopy, assessed pollen viability using Alexander’s stain and acetocarmine and evaluated in vitro germination under a light microscope using media supplemented with varying concentrations of sucrose and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Pollen grains were medium-sized (25–50 µm) and exhibited suboblate to oblate-spheroidal shapes, with a polar/equatorial ratio ranging from 0.84 to 0.88. All genotypes displayed tricolporate pollen grains with three colpi and endoaperture, and their aperture lengths were between 3.88 and 4.90 µm. Significant genotypic differences were observed in pollen viability, with the highest values recorded in IIHRMY 1-4 (96.66 ± 0.34%) using acetocarmine and in IIHRMY 2-1 (96.42 ± 0.51%) using Alexander’s stain. The optimal germination medium contained 15% sucrose and 15% PEG, with IIHRMY 1-4 exhibiting the highest pollen germination rate (54.09 ± 1.15%), followed by IIHRMY 2-1 (47.05 ± 1.27%). These findings offer valuable insights for marigold breeding programmes, particularly in selecting genotypes for efficient cross-pollination and hybrid development.

Genebanks worldwide play a crucial role in the long-term conservation and accessibility of wide diversity of plant genetic resources (PGR). These resources are essential for addressing current and future challenges related to climate change and biodiversity loss, thereby contributing to agricultural production and sustainability. Enhancing the efficiency of genebanks requires implementing a quality management system that ensures data transparency, as well as the documentation and standardization of processes. This study proposes a set of 10 mandatory and 38 optional genebank metrics specifically designed for collections of orthodox seeds. These metrics define a set of basic parameters that are easy to calculate and collectively serve as a valuable tool for improving genebank management, enhancing performance, fostering transparency and promoting collaborations among institutions. Fourteen institutions engaged in the long-term conservation of PGR were consulted in the development of the proposed metrics. This work lays the foundation for the establishment of a widely accepted set of genebank metrics within the global genebank community. Further research and iterative development are necessary to formulate comprehensive metrics applicable to other ex situ conservation methods (such as cryopreservation, in vitro and field conservation) as well as in situ conservation strategies (including genetic reserves and on-farm conservation).