Pollination biology in henna evidences from semi-arid region-of Rajasthan

A study was carried out to study the pollination system in henna at CAZRI, RRS, Pali marwar in hot semi-arid region of India. Two types of pollination systems viz., natural open pollination and pollination in controlled condition were studied. Total of 10 inflorescences borne on ten different 20-year old henna plants were selected and covered with muslin cloth bags and butter paper for controlled pollination. Simultaneously, 10 inflorescences of same plants were kept uncovered for open pollination. Out of three modes of pollination studied in henna, maximum fruit set (60.84%) was observed in natural open pollinated condition while minimum fruit set (11.78%) recorded in controlled pollination covered with butter paper followed by controlled pollination covered with muslin cloth (10.10%). The highest fruit flower ratio also registered in natural open pollinated condition (0.608) whereas lowest were recorded in controlled pollination covered with muslin cloth (0.117) followed by controlled pollination covered with butter paper (0.101). Besides, the common flower visitors also observed which may favour the cross pollination in henna flowers. This study confirms that henna is cross pollinated species.