Abstract

Hybrids are gaining importance because of their advantages in uniformity and vigour. The present study was taken up to maximise the hybrid seed production by identifying the right source of pollen grains. Individual anther and flowers were considered as independent source of pollen grains. Pollen sourced from single flower, from multiple flowers of single plant and from multiple flowers of different plants from single line was compared. The study was taken up in two different cross combinations involving four different inbred lines, to identify the interaction effect of pollen source and genetic background. The results indicated that seed qualities like pod weight and number of seeds/mg were highest when pollen was collected from multiple flowers of different plants. Hybrid seed production can be maximised by taking care to source pollen from multiple flowers of different plants.