Study of Pollen Traits, Production, and Artificial Pollination Methods in Zea mays L

Michela Landoni (), Stefano Sangiorgio, Martina Ghidoli, Elena Cassani and Roberto Pilu ()
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Michela Landoni: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Stefano Sangiorgio: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape and Agroenergy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
Martina Ghidoli: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape and Agroenergy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
Elena Cassani: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape and Agroenergy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
Roberto Pilu: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape and Agroenergy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: The optimization of artificial pollination is crucial in breeding programs for allogamous plants. In maize, achieving a balance between the labor-intensive nature of controlled pollinations and the need for large-scale production of hybrid seeds, along with considerations of germinability and pollen production, determines the success of genetic improvement programs. Breeding programs in maize have resulted in a reduction in the number of tassel branches to increase light interception and plant density in production fields. However, despite this genetic improvement, the decreased pollen production per plant has raised critical concerns regarding pollination and subsequent ear filling, especially under adverse environmental conditions. The aim of this work was the analysis of factors that can contribute to increasing the efficiency of controlled pollination in maize. The data obtained showed that pollen diameter, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content do not influence the percentage of germination and therefore the efficiency of pollination. The quantity of pollen is a central factor in ensuring the efficiency of controlled pollinations, and the data obtained by comparing traditional varieties with modern hybrids of maize showed that an increase in pollen production is determined by the increase in branching of the male inflorescence. Furthermore, we propose the use of a “smart” pollination method to make this step in maize breeding programs easier and faster.

Keywords: maize; breeding; in vitro pollen germination; flavonoids; “smart” controlled pollination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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