Pollination Studies in Swertia chirayita – A Critically Endangered Medicinal Plant of Western Himalayas

Abstract

Understanding breeding system of a sexually reproducing species is fundamental to undertake any crop improvement work with regard to development of better yielding agronomical types. Broadly, two main types of breeding systems i.e. self and cross pollination determine to a large extent the range of homo or heterozygosity for different characters expected in a population. Initiating a breeding program in a species would thus surely require determination of the type of pollination fertilization system prevalent in the species. Swertia chirayita (Family Gentianaceae) has been presumed to be cross pollinated on the basis of colorful corolla and presence of nectaries. The present studies showed that this species is mostly cross pollinated and although selfing is also present, it seems to be a feel safe strategy to meet the vagaries of nature.