Question

Is emasculation required for unisexual flowers?

Options

• Yes, emasculation must always be performed regardless of flower type

• No, because unisexual female flowers do not have anthers

• Yes, but only if the flower has already opened

• No, because unisexual flowers are self-compatible

Answer 1

Emasculation is not needed for unisexual flowers because female flowers in unisexual species have only female parts and no anthers. For unisexual flowers like cucumber and bitter gourd, female flower buds are simply bagged before they open, and pollination is performed when the stigma becomes receptive.