Question

What is emasculation in plant breeding?

Answer 1

EMASCULATION IN PLANT BREEDING

Emasculation involves the removal of stamens from bisexual flowers of the female parents in order to avoid self-pollination in these flowers. It is done before the anthers are mature.

If in a condition the female parent bears bisexual flowers, then elimination of anthers from the flower bud before the anther dehisces by means of a pair of forceps (a large instrument with broad blades) is necessary. And this step is known as emasculation.

In a process called bagging emasculated flowers are covered with a bag to prevent contamination of its stigma with unwanted pollen.

However if the female parent produces unisexual flowers, there is no requirement for emasculation.

REFERENCE:

1. Image: http://fpsc.wisc.edu/growguide/Assets/emasculation4.jpg

Answer 2

Emasculation is a process of removing stamen and filament from flowers to improve food production. This is done in brinjal plant flower.