Which of the following is the effect of using artificial pollination in plant breeding?

1. Analyze the question The question asks about the effect of artificial pollination in plant breeding. Artificial pollination (hand pollination) means a breeder deliberately transfers pollen from the anther of one chosen plant to the stigma of another, instead of leaving it to wind or insects.

2. Explain the concept Breeders use artificial pollination for controlled crossing (hybridization). By choosing the parents, they combine desirable traits from each, such as:

• High yield
• Disease resistance
• Early maturity
• Drought tolerance
• Better taste or size

The offspring are new, improved varieties. This is how many improved Nigerian crop varieties (maize, cassava, rice, cocoa) were developed.

3. Evaluate the options

• A. Production of healthy crops: Healthy crops can be a result, but this is not the main, direct purpose. It is vague, and health depends on many other factors too.
• B. Lengthening the maturity time of crops: Breeders usually want to shorten maturity time, so this is wrong.
• C. Making crops susceptible to disease: Breeders aim to increase resistance, so this is wrong.
• D. Improvement of the variety of crops: Controlled crossing produces new and better varieties. This is the direct effect of artificial pollination in breeding.

4. Answer The correct option is D. Improvement of the variety of crops.

5. Exam tip When you see "artificial pollination" or "plant breeding" in JAMB, think controlled crossing → hybrids → improved varieties. Eliminate options with negative outcomes (longer maturity, more disease), since breeding aims to improve crops.