NEETBotanySexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
What should be done if the female parent plant produces unisexual flowers?
Options
- AEmasculation is required before bagging
- BThe flower buds need to be removed from the plant
- CThe flower buds should be bagged before opening, and pollination is carried out when the stigma is receptive
- DPollen from the male parent should be applied directly without any bagging
Correct answer
C. The flower buds should be bagged before opening, and pollination is carried out when the stigma is receptive
Step-by-step solution
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. 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. When the stigma of bagged flower attains receptivity, mature pollen grains c