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

• DOI: 10.1007/s40502-015-0193-0
• Publication Date: 2015-11-11T08:50:04Z
• Authors: Gufran Usmani; Asim Kumar Mandal; Pravin H. Chawhaan; Yogeshwar Mishra
• Keywords: Anthesis; Floral biology; Stigma; Hand-pollination

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.