Artificial Hybridization in plants: Explanation, Steps & Sample Question

Artificial hybridization is defined as a process of usage of selective pollen grains for conducting the process of pollination and fertilization. The process of pollination is the process of reproduction in plants. In pollination, plants undergo the process of transferring pollen grains from the anther to stigma. Cross-pollination and self-pollination are the two kinds of pollination. To achieve successful pollination, the pollen and the stigma selected should be similar to each other. The 'similarity' may be in the origin, type, location, etc. In the case when the pollen grains and stigma are not similar, there is a much higher rate that the pollination may not be successful, which means that the pollination will not take place. In commercial crop production, artificial hybridization is used for the production of various kinds of species of plants that have characteristics of both the plants which have been pollinated. In this article, we will learn more about artificial hybridization in plants and the steps involved in it.

Key Takeaway: Artificial Hybridization, Pollination, Fertilization, Plants, Reproduction, Commercial Crop, Pollen Grains, Stigma, Crop production

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What is Artificial Hybridisation?

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Artificial hybridization is a process of usage of selective pollen grains for conducting the process of pollination and fertilization. It involves crossing various genera and species to achieve a desirable character. This desirable character comprises the characteristics of both the genera and species. It is generally used in commercial crop production.

Artificial Hybridization in Plants

Also Read: Polyembryony

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What is Pollination?

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In pollination, plants undergo the process of transferring pollen grains from anther to stigma. It can also be described as an act where the pollen grains are transferred from the male anther to the female stigma. Pollination can be divided into two broad categories:

• Cross-Pollination: In the case of Cross-Pollination, the pollen grains from the male anther are being transferred to not the same flower's female stigma. It is being transferred to another flower of the same species.

Cross pollination of pea plants

• Self-Pollination: In the case of Self-Pollination, the pollen grains from the male anther are being transferred to the female stigma of the same flower.

It is important to remember that the seeds are produced only in the case of self-pollination.

Also Read: Gemmule formation

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Steps Involved in Artificial Hybridisation

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For achieving artificial hybridization, the two steps involved are:

• Emasculation

Another name for artificial hybridization is the process of selective breeding. To achieve this, the anthers must release pollen grains. So, the anthers before releasing pollen grains must be thrown away. This process which involves the removal of anthers employing forceps is termed Emasculation.

Emasculation

The step of removal of anthers is not termed to be necessary in the case of unisexual flowers.

• Bagging

The process in which the emasculated flower is protected from being infected or contaminated. It is protected from being contaminated by unsuitable pollen grains; these undesirable pollen grains may be harmful as they may become a barrier in the process. It is covered with a bag; being covered, it still accomplishes receptivity.

The bagging process is done before the flower is open in unisexual flowers. A female flower is protected from contamination by bagging and emasculation. Once the flower attains stigma receptivity, the desired pollen is brushed on the stigma. This is resealed for further growth.

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Things to Remember

• Artificial hybridization is defined to be a process of usage of selective pollen grains for conducting the process of pollination and fertilization.
• To achieve successful pollination, the pollen and the stigma selected should be similar to each other.
• It is important to remember that the seeds are produced only in the case of self-pollination
• Another name for artificial hybridization is the process of selective breeding.
• The process which involves the removal of anthers employing forceps is termed Emasculation.
• In pollination, plants undergo the process of transferring pollen grains from the anther to stigma.
• Pollination can be divided into two broad categories: Cross-Pollination and Self-Pollination.

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