Question

Read the following statements with respect to methods of emasculation and choose correct statements :
A. Suction method
B. Cold treatment
C. Epistasis
D. Chemical method
E. Alcohol treatment
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B, C, E only
• B. B, C, D only
• C. B, C, D, E only
• D. A, B, D, E only

Hint:

Emasculation Techniques:
1. Hand Forceps
2. Suction Vacuum
3. Thermal (Hot/Cold Water)
4. Chemical (Gametocides/CHAs)
5. Alcohol Dip
Epistasis is a genetic term, not a physical technique!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires identifying techniques that function as valid artificial emasculation methods in plant breeding programs.

Step 2: Methods of Emasculation in Plant Breeding:

• Hand Emasculation: Physical removal of anthers using forceps or needles.
• Suction Method [A]: Sucking out mature pollenthers using a vacuum suction tip without damaging female floral organs (used in small-flowered species like grasses).
• Hot Water Cold Treatment [B]: Immersing flower spikes in hot or cold water to kill sensitive pollen grains selectively while retaining ovule viability.
• Chemical Method [D]: Applying Male Gametocides or Chemical Hybridizing Agents (CHAs) like FW-450 or maleic hydrazide to induce pollen sterility.
• Alcohol Treatment [E]: Briefly dipping inflorescences in dilute ethyl alcohol solutions to destroy pollen grains.

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• Epistasis [C] is a genetic phenomenon defined as the non-allelic interaction where one gene masks or modifies the phenotypic expression of another gene. It is NOT an emasculation procedure.
• Thus, valid methods of emasculation are A, B, D, and E.
• Matches option (D).

Step 4: Fil Answer:
The correct emasculation methods are A, B, D, E only. Therefore, option (D) is correct.