Effects of artificial winds on pollen drift and capsule setting of male-sterile plants in flax^*

Zhanhai Dang^1,2, Jianping Zhang^1,2, Li Zhao^1,2, Chongqing Yang^2,3, Limin Wang^1,2

Abstract: Pollen drift is a mechanism of cross pollination. Pollen drift and its effect on cross pollination in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) have not been sufficiently characterized. This study investigated the effects of artificial winds on pollen drift and pollination of the male-sterile plants in flax. Commercial cultivar Longya 10 was used as the pollen donor. The thermo-sensitive male-sterile line S1 was used as the pollen receiver. The WFB-18 duster made by Beijing Zhongmao Plant Protection Machinery was used to generate the artificial winds. Artificial winds at 7 to 9 m/s increased the pollen density within 2 m from the donor by 11 times, the maximum pollen travel distance by 3 m, and the capsule setting of the male-sterile plants by 58%. These results suggest that artificial winds can potentially be a pollination enhancement method in a hybrid seed production system based on male sterility in flax.

Key words: Linum usitatissimum, flax breeding, artificial winds, pollen drift, male sterile, hybrid seed production