Pollination studies in Tagetes minuta, an important medicinal and aromatic plant

An improved understanding of the mechanics of pollination and its active management is crucial in any species in order to maximize gain from any improvement programmes. Present studies on pollination behaviour of Tagetes minuta revealed higher seed germination besides seedling vigour in open pollinated seeds coupled with non-significant seed yield between open and autogamously produced seeds. These studies lead to hypothesize that this species is i) mostly self-pollinated ii) genetic pure lines will be easier to maintain in the species as seeds harvested would be of autogamous nature without needing artificial enclosures and iii) open crossed seeds show higher germination percentage