Question

The chief pollinating agent for maize plants is___.

Answer 1

Maize plant is pollinated by the wind (anemophily). The male inflorescence (tassel) of the plant is present at the apex and female inflorescence (ear) is at the base. Anthers from the male flowers protrude out of the flowers in such a way that even with the slightest movement of the air, anthers are shaken and pollens spread in the air. Similarly, the styles of the carpels (silk of the corn) are so long that they come out of the ear to increase the chances of pollination.


Female flowers of Maize