Pollination and fruit setting mechanism in spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb)

Abstract

Information on fruit setting in spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb) has received little attention, and the precise nature of its breeding system has never been described. A study was undertaken on the pollination mechanism, fruit setting, for genetic improvement of spine gourd. The first flower produced by the male plant reached full bloom 35 days after emergence from the soil; those produced by female plant required an average of 45 days. Number of nodes producing the first flower varied from plant to plant and subsequent flowers also did not develop in any definite sequence. The time required by male and female flower buds to reach anthesis was 12 and 18 days, respectively. Opening of either type of flower occurred between 4 and 7 AM, and dehiscence of anthers began at time of opening of female flower. The stigma became receptive 14 hours before anthesis. This study may provide information for development of hybrids and accelerate breeding procedure of spine gourd.