Questions

(a) Emasculation: Compulsory vs. Not Required

• Compulsory: Emasculation is compulsory when the plant species is bisexual (having both male and female reproductive organs in the same flower). This prevents self-pollination and ensures that the desired cross-pollination occurs.

• Not Required: Emasculation is not required when the plant species is unisexual (having separate male and female flowers on the same plant or different plants) or when using a female plant in a dioecious species (where male and female flowers are on separate plants).

(b) Bagging: A Compulsory Technique

Bagging, the process of covering the emasculated flower with a bag, is a compulsory technique in artificial hybridization, regardless of whether emasculation is performed.

Here's why:

• Prevent Unwanted Pollination: Bagging prevents unwanted pollen from reaching the stigma of the emasculated flower. This ensures that only the desired pollen from the chosen male parent is used for fertilization.
• Maintain Purity: Bagging helps maintain the purity of the cross by preventing contamination from other pollen sources, such as wind, insects, or other flowers.
• Protect from Environmental Factors: Bagging also protects the flower from environmental factors like rain, wind, or insects that could damage the reproductive structures or interfere with pollination.

In summary:

Emasculation is necessary to prevent self-pollination in bisexual flowers, while bagging is crucial to control the pollination process and ensure the desired cross is achieved, regardless of the flower's sex.