Phenology, pollination biology and breeding behavior of Lasiurus sindicus: an important forage species in arid climate of the Thar desert

Abstract

Variations in plant morphology and reproductive characteristics, along with the pollination mechanism, were studied in Lasiurus sindicus, a key forage species in the arid conditions of the Thar Desert. The pollen viability and stigma receptivity were highest during anther indehiscence (82.40 and 96.33%) and dehiscence phases (79.54 and 92.71%). The pollination syndrome observed is anemophily. Breeding experiments revealed that L. sindicus is a cross-fertilization species. The grain set (%) was highest in open pollination (100%), followed by geitonogamous (nearly 15%) and self-pollination (nearly 3%). The study will be helpful in a range of genetic investigations and improvement programs aimed at conserving and managing this distinctive plant species, particularly for rangeland management programs.