Question

In plant breeding experiments, pistillate flowers are not emasculated but are still bagged. Why?

Answer 1

Pistillate flowers are not emasculated because they lack stamens and therefore cannot self-pollinate. However, they are still bagged to prevent contamination by unwanted pollen and ensure controlled pollination until seed setting is complete. This protects the stigma from contamination and unwanted pollen grain deposition during breeding experiments.