Anthers Play Critical Role in Corn Pollination Process

Corn pollination is a critical stage of corn development, and it's all about timing. During this one to two week period, the corn plant releases pollen from its anthers, which must land on receptive silks to fertilize the kernels. The success of this process determines kernel set and largely establishes the crop's yield potential.

The anther is a small but vital structure that plays a critical role in successful pollination. Each anther typically releases 4,000 to 7,000 pollen grains, but only a small fraction makes it to receptive silks. A single corn tassel can produce between 2 million and more than 30 million pollen grains.

Weather conditions can influence the timing of pollen shed, with wet anthers temporarily stopping pollen release until they dry. Under favorable conditions, pollen shed is typically greatest during the morning hours, releasing pollen earlier in the day to maximize viability.