Tamarindus indica L. plays a crucial role in sustainable forestry and agroforestry systems due to its nutritional and economic potential. This study provides insight into the biology of reproduction in Tamarind and deals with its floral morphology, pollen biology, stigma receptivity, breeding system, and floral visitation. Comprehensive observations were conducted on five clonal selections across two flowering seasons. Tamarind is adapted to annual flowering with varying durations among individuals. Selections display notable variations in leaf flushing that corresponded with flowering and fruiting phases. Anthesis starts 11:00 p.m. and is complete by 4:00 a.m. Anther dehiscence occurs 3–4 hours after anthesis. Pollen is dimorphic (25–40 μm), with high pollen fertility (87.625 ± 3.20%). In vitro pollen germination studies indicate varying responses to gradient sucrose concentrations. The stigma is wet-papillate, peaking by 12:00 noon. Flowers are entomophilous, presenting pollen and nectar to over eight groups of visitors. Bees of the Apis genus, are the primary pollinators, foraging throughout the day. Breeding system studies indicate open pollination fruit set from 4.04% to 30.09%. Cross-pollination (xenogamy) yielded the highest fruit set percentages (75.31%–88.03%). Geitonogamy yielded minimal fruit set, and apomixis showed none, indicating self-incompatibility. Variations in phenology, floral traits, and fruit pulp coloration, such as the unique red pulp in some selections, highlight the genetic diversity of Tamarind. The findings underscore the importance of clonal selection for genetic conservation, pollination efficiency, and enhanced fruit yield in agroforestry systems.
Tag: breeding methods
Integrating molecular genetics with plant breeding to deliver impact
The appropriate use of molecular genetic approaches to reach impact in plant breeding is not straightforward. Here, we consider theory and realized application and explore key issues that early-career plant molecular genetic researchers especially should consider as they establish their careers, particularly in relation to opportunities in plant breeding that span academia and the private sector. Useful entry points for these researchers are an understanding of the plant breeding cycle and the breeder’s equation. Becoming familiar with success and failure factors in the application of molecular genetics to practical plant breeding, including in relation to quantitative genetic principles, is also important. Other framing issues are scenario modeling for choosing between breeding scheme options, how agronomy and plant breeding interrelate, and the needs of future food production systems. We also recommend that early-career plant molecular genetic researchers look at whether pathways have been mapped out for how research will lead to impact at field level, whether stakeholders’ perspectives have been accounted for, and whether the effectiveness of molecular genetic versus alternative interventions have been costed. Early-career researchers should also consider if effective systems are in place to monitor the values of molecular interventions and whether the necessary multidisciplinary teams are involved in crop development and deployment. We believe that through building a cadre of well-informed and well-connected early-career plant molecular genetic researchers, transformational change in the applications of molecular genetics to practical plant breeding will be enhanced.