Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Nicolae Alexandru ANDREESCU, Marin DORU IOAN
Pollination is essential for hybrid seed production in maize, relying heavily on the pollen output of inbred male plants. Effective pollination ensures kernel development, genetic purity, and high-quality hybrid seeds. Tassel morphology—including traits like weight, branch count, and Tassel Area Index - plays a key role in pollen production. Breeding programs must optimize these traits to balance pollen availability with minimal negative effects, such as leaf shading. Integrating genetic and phenotypic assessments can enhance pollination efficiency and hybrid reliability. This approach supports yield stability and resilience under diverse environmental conditions, contributing to sustainable maize production.
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