Emasculation (In plant breeding)

Explanation

Emasculation (In plant breeding)
The first step in a hybridisation process is to ensure no pollination can occur before the intended artificial breeding. This is achieved by emasculation process.
(i) It is a process of removal of anthers physically in self-pollinated plants. It is an important step in plant breeding programmes.
(ii) In cases where physical removal is not possible, other methods are adopted, e.g. dipping the panicle in hot water `(50^(@) C)` for 10 minutes as done in Sorghum or through chemical treatments like 2,4-dichIorophenoxy acetic acid, maleic hydrazide, as practised for plants tike wheat.
(iii) These methods ensure male sterility and anther removed plants are then used as female plants.