Читать книгу Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding - George Acquaah - Страница 271

It is important that plants in a crossing block (or to be crossed) be in excellent health and be properly developed. This is especially so when flowers are to be manually emasculated. Once successfully crossed, an adequate amount of seed should be obtained for planting the first generation. The parents to be mated should receive proper lighting, moisture supply, temperature, nutrition, and protection from pests. Parents should be fertilized with the proper amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for vigorous plant growth to develop an adequate number of healthy flowers.

Plants growing in the greenhouse should be provided the proper intensity and duration of light. If the species is photoperiod sensitive, the lighting should be adjusted accordingly. Proper temperature is required for proper plant growth and development. In some species, a special temperature treatment (vernalization, usually some period of low temperature) is required for flower induction. Furthermore, temperature affects pollen shed in flowers. Consequently, extreme temperatures may cause inadequate amounts of pollen to be shed for successful artificial pollination. Pollen quantity and quality are influenced by the relative humidity of the growing environment. Extreme moisture conditions should be avoided.