Reproductive Biology Analyses in Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)

Jasmine occupies predominant position among the flower crops in India in terms of area, production, productivity as well as economic and cultural significance. The demand for jasmine flowers is growing day by day owing to its wide range of uses and there is a pressing need for improving the crop by exploring strategies to evolve improved genotypes. The present study focuses on the floral morphology involved in the reproduction of Jasminum spp. Reproductive biology is the principle criterion considered in the evolution of hybrids. The aim of this study was to determine the floral traits and factors that influence successful reproduction in jasmine and assess the components that hinder fruit set. The results of the study indicated that J. flexile and J. calophyllum had superior traits in terms of pollen viability, pollen germination and stigma receptivity and also both the genotypes were well suited for all the possible pollination conditions. J. sambac recorded superior floral morphological traits but the overall response in terms of pollen viability, pollen germination and stigma receptivity were recorded the least. Assessment of breeding system that helps in analysis of pollination mechanism was also documented. J. auriculatum was found to be a potential species with maximum fruit set percentage. J. sambac recorded poor results indicating the prevalence of fertilization barriers that hinder hybridization.