Floral Biology and Pollination Behaviour in Caygua (Cyclanthera pedata L. Schrad.)

A total of six caygua genotypes collected locally were raised in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated four times for conducting this investigation. Floral traits such as flower diameter, flower length, pedicel length days to first male and female flowering, sex ratio, pollen germination and pollen viability were observed. The minimum days taken to first male flowering was 26.75 and earliest female flowering took 27.75 days. The most favourable sex ratio was recorded at 17.25 male per female flowers. Anthesis started from 4.00 a.m. and continued to till 9 a.m. in all the 6 genotypes observed. The peak period of anther dehiscence was recorded between 5.00 am to 7.00 am. The maximum pollen germination obtained was 66.66% while maximum pollen viability was 94.37%. Hand pollination proved to be better for fruit set as compared to insect pollination. Stigma receptivity determined by fruit set method was recorded maximum during full bloom stage followed by bud stage and least in withering stage. Knowledge of floral biology is important to carry out successful plant breeding programme as it helps in understanding and determining the breeding behaviour of particular plant species.