Use of Maleic hydrazide in hybrid seed production/male sterility induction
Answers
application of maleic hydrazide induce higher pollen sterility (84.33 %) followed by gibberellic acid (82.20 %) and ethrel (82.00 %) with three sprays (20+30+40 days after sowing). These chemicals also induce ovular sterility, maximum with ethrel (14.
Answer:Male sterility can be classified into two major groups i.e. genetic (spontaneous or induced) and non-genetic (induced) male sterility.
Under non- genetic type sterility, chemical induced male sterility is important. The sterility which is non- genetic, non- heritable and induced with the help of chemicals that makes the male part abortive, known as chemical induced male sterility. The chemicals such as Maleic hydrazide, Gibberellins, Dalapon, Mendok, Ethephon etc. which disrupts the normal pollen development without affecting female functionality are known as gametocides. These are also known as chemical hybridizing agents (CHA), male sterilants, pollen suppressants, pollenocides, androcides etc. These gametocides sterile the male part of female parent so that female parents can be effectively utilized for hybrid seed production. Chemical induced male sterility have major application in cereal crops but in
vegetables, its use has yet to be commercial.