Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Hybridization is the process of crossing genetically different parents to produce offspring (hybrids) with combined desirable traits.
Performing a successful cross requires following a strict, logical sequence of steps to prevent contamination from foreign pollen.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us arrange the steps of hybridization in their logical order:
1. (C) Choice and evaluation of parents:
Before starting any cross, the breeder must select and evaluate parent plants that carry the desired traits (e.g., disease resistance, yield, or flower color).
2. (B) Emasculation of parents:
To prevent self-pollination in hermaphrodite flowers, the pollen-bearing anthers of the chosen female parent must be removed before they mature and shed pollen.
3. (E) Bagging and tagging:
Immediately after emasculation, the female flower is covered with a protective bag (such as a paper or glassine bag) to prevent wind or insects from introducing foreign pollen.
A tag is attached to record the cross details.
4. (A) Pollination:
When the stigma of the emasculated female flower becomes receptive, the breeder collects mature pollen from the selected male parent and applies it directly to the stigma.
The flower is then re-bagged to protect it.
5. (D) Harvesting and storing of $F_1$ seeds:
Once the fertilized ovary matures into a fruit or seed pod, the resulting $F_1$ hybrid seeds are harvested, cleaned, dried, and stored for planting.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct logical sequence of steps is (C), (B), (E), (A), (D).
This matches Option (D).