Effect of the Pollen Parent on Oil Content of the Corn Kernel¹

Abstract

Synopsis The oil content of the corn kernel is significantly influenced by both the seed parent and the pollen parent. Reciprocal crosses indicate a pronounced matroclinous tendency. The influence of the seed parent on composition of the endosperm is no more evident than in the germ in spite of its origin through triple fusion. Corn grown for studies of oil content should be produced by controlled pollination because of the considerable influence of the pollen parent.