Efficiency of different hybridization methods in single crosses of rice for pure line breeding

Hybridization efficiency of two crossing methods (involving emasculation by hot water or by anther aspiration), was determined in rice. Quantitative comparisons between crossing methods for pure line breeding are scarce and the objectives of this work were to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of emasculation methods, and to determine an adequate temperature for hot water emasculation. Hot water emasculation at a temperature suitable to each variety (followed by panicle pollination) achieved a higher percentage of hybrid F1 plants (54.6%) than anther aspiration (8.4%), but significantly more seed set was obtained after anther aspiration (31.5%) than after hot water immersion (16.5%). The easiest and quickest emasculation method was the immersion in hot water of panicles from detached rooted tillers. Additional key words: crop improvement, crossing, emasculation techniques, Oryza sativa L.