Question

What is meant by emasculation ? How is it useful in plant breeding programme ?

Hint:

Emasculation is always followed by "Bagging" to prevent contamination of the stigma by unwanted foreign pollen.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In artificial hybridization, breeders want to ensure that only desired pollen grains are used for pollination.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Definition: Emasculation is the process of removing the stamens or anthers from the flower bud of a female parent (if it is bisexual) using a pair of forceps.
Usefulness in Plant Breeding:
1. Prevents Self-Pollination: It ensures that the flower does not pollinate itself, which is crucial for creating specific hybrids.
2. Controlled Hybridization: It allows the breeder to pollinate the stigma with pollen grains collected from a specifically chosen male parent.
3. Genetic Purity: It maintains the genetic integrity of the experimental cross by eliminating unwanted natural pollination.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Emasculation involves removing anthers to prevent self-fertilization, allowing breeders to perform controlled crosses between desired parent plants.