Studies on hybrid seed production in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

Anthesis in brinjal line 22-1 commenced at 4.30 a.m and another dehiscence was complete by 7.45 a.m. the stigma was maximum (90%) on the day of anthesis pollination a day prior to anthesis gave 80% fruit set and was best suited for hybrids seed production. Pollen grains of brinjal variety supreme germinated best in 28% sucrose with 0.01% boric acid in vitro. Pollen grains can be stored for 3 days at 90% relative humidity without much loss of viability. Pollination operation, using glass-rod and match stick as pollination tools and butter paper bag as covering material were most suitable and gave the highest number of seeds (1304 to 13170) and maximum seed weight (6.67 to 6.9 g) per fruit. There are two flowering flushes of good fruit set in brinjal line 22-1. To get maximum seed number and seed weight, bud pollination during first 30 days is recommended. Brinjal seeds stored for two months period under room temperature gave 72.66 to 81.33% germination. However, two year old seeds gave 40 to 44% germination. Seeds stored for 6 years failed to germinate. For producing one kilogram hybrid seed in brinjal economically it took 17.36 hours to complete the operations like emasculation, pollination and flower covering in 809.0 flowers using glass rod as a pollination tool and cotton capsule as a covering material.