ENHANCING THE FRUIT SET, SIZE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CUSTARD APPLE VAR. ARKA SAHAN THROUGH ARTIFICIAL POLLINATION

Introduction: Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) belongs to the family Annonaceae, is one of the important topical fruit crops in India. Custard apple is mainly used as dessert fruit however both the pulp and seeds are also used for medicinal purposes. Locally significant as traditional medicines, custard apples are cultivated commercially for their delectable fruits. In the world custard apple is considered less important economically (Pinto et al., 2005), while in India, it is the most importance fruit of the annonaceous. The Annonaceous fruits originated in tropical America and are widely distributed in tropics and sub tropics. Among annonaceous fruits, custard apple is the most favourite in India. Its plants grow unchecked as a shrubs or hedge plant in areas of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. On a very small scale, other annonnas are also grown. Bullock"s heart is more commonly found in south India than in north India. It is usually associated with gardens and compounds and not commercial orchards. Cherimoya is mostly restricted to Assam and hills of south India. Atemoya and sour soup are cultivated in some gardens as miscellaneous fruits. Atemoya, cherimoya and Ilama also provided excellent opportunities for a large-scale exploitation in India. Pollination is the process by which pollen grains are transferred from the male reproductive organs (anthers) of a flower to the female reproductive organs (stigma) of the same or a different flower, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds. Pollination is a crucial step in the reproduction of flowering plants (angiosperms). Pollination can occur through various mechanisms, including wind, water, and animals. Animal pollination is particularly significant and involves the assistance of animals such as bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and even some mammals. These animals are attracted to flowers by their colors, fragrances, or nectar, and while they feed or move between flowers, they inadvertently pick up pollen grains on their bodies. When they visit another flower of the same plant or a different plant, some of the pollen is transferred to the stigma, allowing for fertilization and the subsequent development of seeds and fruits.