Nature’s Precision: The Intricate Pollen Dispersal Mechanisms of Papilionaceous Crops
Nirmalaruban. R *
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
R. Suvitha
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
Jai Prakash Prasad
BPSAC, Purnea, BAU, Sabour, Bihar, India.
Kanshouwa Modunshim Maring
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India.
Rajasekar
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India.
P. Anantharaju
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Pollination, a fascinating natural process, is crucial for the reproduction of flowering plants. It involves the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive part to the female reproductive part, enabling successful fertilization. Papilionaceous crops, belonging to the Fabaceae family, exhibit highly specialized pollen dispersal mechanisms that ensure effective pollination and genetic diversity. These mechanisms involve intricate interactions between floral structures and pollinators, primarily bees. By integrating findings from various studies, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate pollen dispersal mechanisms in papilionaceous crops such as piston/pump mechanism, explosive type mechanism, brush type mechanism and valvular mechanism. It also provides information about the role of different floral parts in pollen dispersal among the flowers. This review will be helpful in gaining insights about pollen dispersal mechanism and it contribution in improving crop yields and breeding programs.
Keywords: Pollen dispersal mechanism, valvular, piston, brush, explosive