Question

write the characteristic features of anther pollen and stigma of maize that enhance pollination

Answer 1

Maize plants have evolved to use wind pollination. The characteristic features of anther, pollen and stigma of maize that enhance pollination are:

• The male part of maize is called tassel. It is present at the top of plant and contains many branches along which many male flowers are present. The anther releases large number of pollen grains. This increases the chance of pollination and fertilisation.
• The pollen grains are light weight, fluffy or feathery which are easily carried by wind to the stigma.
• ​The flowers of maize plants have large and feathery stigma so that pollen grains will become trapped in the feathery stigmas.