Question

While planning for an artificial hybridisation programme involving dioecious plants, which of the following steps would not be relevant?

• A. Bagging of female flower
• B. Dusting of pollen on stigma
• C. Emasculation
• D. Collection of pollen

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Emasculation

Artificial hybridisation is human performed crossing of two different plants having complementary good traits in order to obtain an overall superior variety. Artificial hybridisation has been used by plant breeders for crop improvement programme. Two precautionary measures in artificial hybridisation are emasculation and bagging. Emasculation is removal of stamens from the floral buds so that chances of self pollination are eliminated. In case of dioecious (unisexual) plants, emasculation is not required as they have either male or female flowers.

So, the correct answer is 'Emasculation'.