ROLE OF POLLINATING AGENTS ON THE MODE OF POLLINATION IN MUSTARD

For assessing the mode of pollination in a mustard variety, ''Sonali S harisha'' (SS-75), eight treatments comprising of open pollination and combinations of emasculated/unemasculated flowers under mosquito net/ polyethylene caging with or without honeybee, were considered. This st udy revealed that in absence of self pollen, up to 81% cross fertiliza tion can be achieved with honeybee under caged conditions. Estimates o f self- and cross-pollination or both were made considering open polli nation as 100% by inclusion or elimination of different pollinating ag ents, Wind contributed 12 and 20% cross- and self-pollination, respect ively.