Question

At what stage of flower development must emasculation be performed?

Options

• Before the flower opens and before anthers dehisce

• After the flower has fully opened and anthers have released pollen

• During the fruit development stage

• After the stigma has matured and become receptive

Answer 1

Emasculation must be done at the young bud stage, before the flower opens and before the anthers dehisce (burst open). This timing is critical because it ensures that self-pollination cannot occur and that the female parent remains unpollinated until the desired pollen is applied.