Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Popcorn
Flour corn
Cross-pollination between varieties is often visible in first-generation seed (it can be tasted in sweet
corn). This is normally not the case for crop plants, where crossing is evident only by growing out-
crossed seed.
This dynamic heirloom corn from Oaxaca, Mexico, brings a reliable yield and can be used for many dishes. It is far from
uniform yet has many uses.
HAND POLLINATION
Hand pollinating corn is time-consuming but not difficult. You will need a sharp
pocketknife, tape (e.g., masking tape), a stapler, and rip-resistant paper bags. Bags made of opaque
parchment paper work very well. They shed water, and you can see inside without removing the bag.
Use 8 by 16 in. (20 by 40 cm) bags for the tassel, 6 by 12 in. (15 by 30 cm) bags for the ear. Timing is
crucial in hand pollination. Tassels (male flowers) must be bagged before they release pollen, ears (fe-
male flowers) must be bagged before the silks (which receive the pollen) become receptive. Normally
hand pollination of a variety takes place over the course of two to three days, unless the variety ripens
non-synchronously.
