An evaluation of factors affecting success of controlled crosses of wild rice (Zizania palustris L.) in the greenhouse.

The effects of pollen age, stigma age and time of pollination were evaluated to develop a pollination procedure that would result in increased seed set in the greenhouse. Pollen age groups, 10 stigma ages and 10 pollination times were investigated independently. Pollinations were made in the greenhouse during November to April in 1986-87 and 1987-88. Percentage seed set was used to assess the treatments. Pollen remained viable for only a short time. Maximum percentage seed set was attained when pollen from anthers that had been extruded for less than 2 h was used in pollinations. Stigma receptivity remained consistent for 5 days then decreased rapidly. Time of pollination did not have an effect on percentage seed set.