Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:-
Plant breeders aim to create new and improved varieties by crossing different species, and sometimes even genera, to combine desirable traits. To achieve successful crossbreeding, it is crucial to ensure that only the intended pollen grains are used for pollination, while also protecting the stigma from any unintended contamination. This careful selection and controlled pollination process helps breeders create commercially superior varieties with specific traits.
In artificial hybridisation, if the female parent bears bisexual flowers, the anthers are removed from the flower bud with a pair of forceps before they dehisce. This step is called:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Emasculation
In a bisexual flower, the anthers and the stigma are in the same flower. To stop the flower's own pollen from reaching its stigma, the breeder removes the anthers from the flower bud with a pair of forceps before they dehisce. This step is called emasculation.
Option (1) Emasculation — Correct. Removal of anthers from the flower bud before the anthers dehisce is called emasculation.
Option (2) Bagging — Incorrect. Bagging is the next step: the emasculated flower is covered with a bag to keep out unwanted pollen.
Option (3) Rebagging — Incorrect. Rebagging is done after the desired pollen is dusted on the stigma, so that the flower stays protected while the fruit develops.
Option (4) Dehiscence — Incorrect. Dehiscence is the opening of the anther to release pollen. Emasculation is done before it.
NCERT Extract:
Pollination – “… 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. Emasculated flowers have to be covered with a bag of suitable size, generally made up of butter paper, to prevent contamination of its stigma with unwanted pollen. This process is called bagging.”