Question

Identify the plant in which emasculation is not required for artificial hybridization.

• A. Rice
• B. Wheat
• C. Pea
• D. Papaya

Hint:

Remember: Emasculation is for Bisexual flowers to prevent Selfing.
Bagging is used for both Bisexual and Unisexual flowers to prevent Cross-contamination by unwanted foreign pollen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about identifying a plant where emasculation is not necessary for artificial hybridization.

Emasculation is a process used in plant breeding where the anthers of a flower are removed to prevent self-pollination, thus allowing for controlled cross-pollination. This process is generally required in hermaphroditic plants where both male and female reproductive structures are present within the same flower.

Let's analyze the options provided:

1. Rice: Typically, rice flowers have both male (anthers) and female (stigma) parts. Thus, emasculation would be required to prevent self-pollination.
2. Wheat: Similar to rice, wheat flowers possess both reproductive structures, meaning emasculation is needed for artificial hybridization.
3. Pea: Pea plants also have both male and female parts in their flowers, necessitating emasculation to ensure cross-pollination.
4. Papaya: Papaya plants are dioecious, meaning that they have distinct male and female plants. As a result, emasculation is not needed because male and female flowers are found on different plants, facilitating natural cross-pollination.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is Papaya. Since papaya plants are naturally dioecious with separate male and female plants, emasculation is unnecessary as cross-pollination occurs naturally between different plants.