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Floral biology and breeding behaviour of Melia azedarach L.: imperative for hybridization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 September 2024

Sourav Ranjan Mohapatra Open the ORCID record for Sourav Ranjan Mohapatra [Opens in a new window] ,
Susanta Kumar Das ,
Manas Ranjan Kar  and
Harekrishna Das
Sourav Ranjan Mohapatra*
Affiliation:
Department of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Odisha, India
Susanta Kumar Das
Affiliation:
Department of Forest Resource Management, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Odisha, India
Manas Ranjan Kar
Affiliation:
Department of Forest Resource Management, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Odisha, India
Harekrishna Das
Affiliation:
Department of Forest Resource Management, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Odisha, India
*
Corresponding author: Sourav Ranjan Mohapatra; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Melia azedarach L. commonly called Maha Neem is an economically and industrially important tree species with global significance. Although species possess versatile importance worldwide, information on reproductive biology and breeding system is scarce and limited for eastern coastal plain of India. Therefore, current study provides a detailed report on reproductive biology of M. azedarach. Maha Neem was found to bear violet to whitish violet, slightly fragrant, 14.99 ± 0.05 mm. long and 17.01 ± 0.08 mm. wide flowers. This tree commenced opening of floral buds during March and continued until May with a peak during March-end. The anthesis of species peaked between 08:00 and 10:00 am, which coincides with insect activity. Anthers were observed to dehisce during or shortly before anthesis; however, stigma started receptivity before anthesis and continued invitation up to 12 h after anthesis. Pollen viability ranged from 96.67 ± 1.6% to 98.26 ± 1.2 at the time of anthesis; after that decreased rapidly. Pollen: ovule ratio of 1096.38 ± 108.70 indicated the possibility of autogamy. The breeding system of M. azedarach revealed that fruit sets under natural pollination (NP) were significantly higher than Xenogamy. However, substantial difference was not reported in fruit set percentage under natural pollination and Autogamy, which is strong evidence in favour of self-pollination. Moreover, Maha-Neem is entomophilous with frequent visits by Apis and Syrphid flies. Current findings will be helpful in designing potent conservation strategies and planning successful breeding programmes.

Keywords

breeding systemhybridizationmaha-neemMelia azedarach Lreproductive biology
Type
Research Article
Information
Plant Genetic Resources , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , February 2025 , pp. 1 - 10
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of National Institute of Agricultural Botany

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