CROSS-POLLINATION IN MALE STERILE WHEAT IN ONTARIO

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Abstract
Seed set on male sterile lines of soft winter wheat in Ontario seeded in a ratio of 2:1 and 1:1 of female to male rows, respectively, averaged 47.2 and 54.7% over a 2-year period. Increased seed set was obtained by either manipulation of planting date to improve coincidence of flowering of the male and female lines or by using a muitilineal pollinator rather than a single variety pollinator. Seed set on male sterile lines declined sharply with increasing distance from the pollen source. The mean seed set in six male sterile lines with a pollen source on the west side 0.2, 1.5, and 3.0 m away was 28.8, 10.3, and 6.7%, respectively. Severe ergot infection indicated a potential disease problem in Ontario.