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Reproductive biology and breeding system in Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz

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Abstract

Studies on phenology and reproductive biology were carried out in 15 populations of Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz (2n = 22). Two different sizes of pollen grains (82.5 ± 5 and 52.3 ± 5 µm) with viability up to 85–95 % were observed. The receptivity of stigma was found to be 1 day prior to anthesis between 08.45 and 09.15 a.m. Study revealed that this species is preferentially cross pollinated and is well adopted to achieve effective pollination. Reproductive success in terms of fruit set is poor due to limitation of compatible pollens.

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Acknowledgments

Financial support from the National Medicinal Plants Board, Government of India, New Delhi (Sanction No. GO/MP/-07/2006) is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, M.P., India

    Gufran Usmani, Asim Kumar Mandal & Yogeshwar Mishra

  2. Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342 005, India

    Pravin H. Chawhaan

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  1. Gufran Usmani
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  2. Asim Kumar Mandal
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  3. Pravin H. Chawhaan
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  4. Yogeshwar Mishra
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Correspondence to Gufran Usmani.

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Usmani, G., Mandal, A.K., Chawhaan, P.H. et al. Reproductive biology and breeding system in Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz. Ind J Plant Physiol. 21, 31–36 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40502-015-0193-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40502-015-0193-0

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