Artificial Hybridization or Artificial Fertilization

The controlled crossing of selected male and female parent plants to produce genetically superior offspring is called artificial hybridization.

1. Emasculation:

Removal of stamens (anthers) from the flower bud of the female parent before the anthers dehisce (burst open).

• Done using a pair of forceps
• Performed at the young bud stage (before the flower opens)
• Purpose: To prevent self-fertilisation

Emasculation is needed only for bisexual flowers (flowers having both male and female parts).

2. Bagging:

Covering the emasculated flower with a butter paper bag to protect the stigma from contamination by unwanted pollen.

• Done immediately after emasculation
• Bag is kept until the stigma becomes receptive

Artificial hybridization is the controlled crossing of two different plant varieties to produce offspring with combined desirable traits. It is a major method used in crop improvement programmes.

A breeder crosses different species (and often genera) to combine desirable characters and produce commercially superior varieties.

Key requirement: Only the desired pollen grains must be used for pollination, and the stigma must be protected from unwanted pollen.

This is achieved by two techniques: Emasculation and Bagging.

Step-by-Step Process:

For Bisexual Flowers (e.g., wheat, rice, tomato):

If the female parent has unisexual flowers (only female parts - no anthers), then:

• No emasculation is needed
• Female flower buds are simply bagged before they open
• When stigma becomes receptive → pollinate with desired pollen → re-bag
• Examples: Cucumber, bitter gourd

• Artificial hybridisation is used in crop improvement to combine desirable traits of different plants.
• It ensures that only selected (desired) pollen is used for pollination.
• Emasculation → removal of anthers from bisexual flowers before they release pollen.
• Bagging → covering the flower to prevent unwanted pollen contamination.
• When stigma becomes receptive, desired pollen is applied, and the flower is rebagged for fruit development.