U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
Date of this Version
2014
Citation
Vogel, K.P., Sarath, G; Mitchell, R.B. 2014. Micromesh fabric pollination bags for switchgrass. Crop Sci. 54:1621-1623. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2013.09.0647.
Abstract
Pollination bags for making controlled crosses between switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) plants were made from a polyester micromesh fabric with a mesh size of 41 μm, which is smaller than the mean reported 43 μm diameter of switchgrass pollen. When used in paired-plant crosses between switchgrass plants, the mean amount of seed produced per plant was about 1 g, or approximately 800 seeds, which was significantly greater than the 10 to 250 seeds produced previously in paired-plant crosses of switchgrass using paper pollination bags. The four- to tenfold increase in seed produced per cross enables the progeny of the crosses to be evaluated in larger numbers in genetic studies and in replicated space-transplanted or seeded sward evaluation trials. The micromesh pollination bags cost about $15 each because of fabric costs but could be reused for 10 or more pollination seasons at an annual cost per cross of about $1.50 or less.
Comments
U.S. government work