An easy method of artificial hybridization in two arid legumes, guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Taub.) and moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jack.) Marechal]

Abstract

Moth bean and guar are important rain-fed crops of the western arid region of India. The genetic improvement mostly realized through germplasm evaluation and selection has successfully increased the yield potential and stability. However, continued improvement has been hampered due to the inefficient or non-availability of crossing techniques for recombination breeding. We attempted direct pollination without emasculation and found it very successful compared to earlier techniques used in both crops. The article provides a detailed method for the selection of buds and pollination.