Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012
*Present Address: Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Jute Agricultural Research Institute, Barrackpore 743 101, West Bengal.
Pollen grain diameter in samples among plants in an inbred line, in samples obtained on successive days of pollen shedding from a tassel, or from different branches of the same tassel, did not show significant variation suggesting that pollen diameter in maize (Zea mays L.) is a fairly stable character. Pollen diameter among 114 inbred lines showed quantitative variation. Po'len diameter measurements in eight inbred lines grown over two years and two locations indicated that pollen diameter is influenced by both genotype and environment but the role of genotype is the major one. Absence of interaction of genotype with either location or year suggested that this character may be regarded as a stable and highly heritable character. Results from the present studies suggest that pollen grain diameter in maize is a stable quantitative genetic character primarily controlled by the genotype of the mother plant.
