Effect of different modes of pollination on fruit set and malformation of strawberry cultivars

The effect of different modes of pollination viz., self, open, hand and cross and the relative position of stamens to the receptacle in the flower on fruit set and malformation were determined in 16 strawberry cultivars. Uniform cultural practices were followed throughout the course of investigation. Receptacle length ranged from 2.33 to 5.88 mm. Maximum was in Gorella and minimum in Elasantha and stamen length varied from 2.10 (Catskill) to 3.89 mm (Confectura). Among the different cultivars, maximum malformed fruits were observed in Torrey (which had shortest stamens than receptacle) and minimum malformed fruits were observed in cultivar Elasantha (stamens longer than receptacle) both under self and open-pollination. Maximum malformed fruits were recorded under self-pollination followed by open-pollination. Both hand and cross-pollination were found to lower the number of malformed fruits. In hand pollination Fern and Shasta had least malformed fruits. In cross-pollination, Pajaro x Catskill and Belrubi x Douglas showed least malformed fruits. Maximum fruit set with better fruit size was observed from cross-pollination, followed by hand and open pollination and least was in self-pollination.