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 in wild rice (Zizania palustris L.) to develop a pollination procedure that would result in increased seed set in the greenhouse. Pollen age groups, ten stigma ages, and ten pollination times were investigated independently. Pollinations were done in the greenhouse during the months of November through April in 1986–1987 and 1987–1988. Percent seed set was used to assess the treatments. Pollen remained viable for only a short period of time. Maximum percent 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 d then decreased rapidly. Time of pollination did not have an effect on percent seed set.Key words: Wild rice, pollination biology, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, seed set