Artificial Hybridization and Self‐Pollination

The wide diversity of floral structure and development among crop species has led to an array of methods for artificial hybridization and self-pollination. Natural self-pollination occurs in species with perfect flowers that are self-compatible and do not open until pollen shed has taken place. Selection of parental material is the first step in a plant breeding program. When the choice of parents has been made, hybridization may be facilitated by carefully determining the genotype to be used as either female or male. Preparation of the female parent must coincide with availability of pollen from the male. Pollen collection is most efficient when anther development can be related to outward appearance of the flower or inflorescence. A visual indication of successful fertilization and seed development is desirable soon after pollination, so that additional pollinations can be made if necessary before flowering ceases.