Impact of topography on cross-pollination in maize (Zea mays L.)
2009
Vogler, André | Eisenbeiss, Henri | Aulinger-Leipner, Ingrid | Stamp, Peter
Understanding cross-pollination is important to achieve the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and conventional maize (Zea mays L.); it is still not known whether topography favors or hinders cross-pollination. In 2005 and 2006, the effect of gradients of 3.4-6.8° on cross-pollination was investigated in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Cross-pollination was revealed by the presence of yellow-grains on a white-grain hybrid at distances up to 17.5m from the yellow-grain pollen donor hybrid. The measurements of the inclination of the slope were based on aerial images data taken by an unmanned GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System)-based and stabilized model helicopter, which delivered precise altitude-based data for sampling points at tassel height. The rate of cross-pollination increased significantly with decreasing altitude of the receptor field (r =0.36-0.64). However, the effect seems to be weaker than that of other factors like wind direction and velocity.
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