Which among the following statements is/are incorrect? (A) Artificial…

The correct answer is Option (3) → Only D.

Plant breeders cross chosen parents to bring good characters together. This is artificial hybridisation. The question asks which statements are incorrect.

(A) Artificial hybridisation is one of the major approaches of crop improvement programme. — A correct statement. Breeders cross different species, and even genera, to make superior varieties. This is a main method of crop improvement.

(B) Only the desired pollen grains are used for pollination and the stigma is protected from contamination (from unwanted pollen). — A correct statement. In such crosses only the chosen pollen must reach the stigma. This is done by emasculation and bagging.

(C) Removal of anthers from the flower bud before the anther dehisces is called emasculation. — A correct statement. In a bisexual flower, the anthers are removed with forceps before they burst. This step is emasculation, and it stops self-pollination.

(D) Continued cross-pollination result in inbreeding depression. — An incorrect statement. Inbreeding depression comes from continued self-pollination. Cross-pollination prevents it, which is why plants have outbreeding devices.

NCERT Extract:
Pollen-Pistil Interaction – “… Artificial hybridisation is one of the major approaches of crop improvement programme. In such crossing experiments it is important to make sure that only the desired pollen grains are used for pollination and the stigma is protected from contamination (from unwanted pollen). This is achieved by emasculation and bagging techniques. If the female parent bears bisexual flowers, removal of anthers from the flower bud before the anther dehisces using a pair of forceps is necessary. This step is referred to as emasculation.”
Outbreeding Devices – “Majority of flowering plants produce hermaphrodite flowers and pollen grains are likely to come in contact with the stigma of the same flower. Continued self-pollination result in inbreeding depression.”