DuPont Pioneer Pollination: Processes and Procedures

Summary

This video provides an in-depth guide on how to perform pollination at DuPont Pioneer, focusing on the key processes, techniques, and safety guidelines. Employees will learn the importance of bagging ear shoots and tassels to ensure controlled pollination, as well as how to avoid contamination and ensure the purity of pollen. The video also emphasizes the safety precautions necessary for the job, including proper clothing, hydration, and awareness of heat stress. By following these steps, workers contribute to the development of hybrid seed corn, which plays a vital role in feeding the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 DuPont Pioneer is the world's largest plant genetics company, working in over 25 countries to help feed the world through innovative science.
• 😀 Pollination is a crucial step in producing hybrid seed corn, which is used in food, livestock feed, and products like cosmetics, ethanol, and more.
• 😀 A pollinator's main goal is to ensure that the silks of the corn plant are pollinated with pollen from the same or a different plant to produce viable seeds.
• 😀 The pollination process involves covering ear shoots with chute bags to prevent contamination and ensure controlled pollination with pure pollen.
• 😀 There are two primary types of pollination: selfing (using pollen from the same plant) and crossing (using pollen from a different plant).
• 😀 Pollen contamination is to be avoided at all costs, as it can result in 'out crosses,' which are plants that cannot be used in the breeding process.
• 😀 Proper chute bagging is essential and must be done before the silks emerge to avoid contamination from stray pollen in the air.
• 😀 Tassel bags are used to collect pollen from the male part of the plant, which is then used to pollinate the silks, ensuring pure pollination.
• 😀 When bagging tassels, always ensure the tassel is shedding properly and that the chute bag does not expose the silks to the open air.
• 😀 Safety is critical: always wear proper clothing, use eye protection, stay hydrated, and be aware of heat stress and other hazards while working.

Q & A

What is the mission of DuPont Pioneer?

The mission of DuPont Pioneer is to use science to feed the world, developing products that help feed millions of people globally.

What is the significance of pollination in hybrid seed corn production?

Pollination is a critical step in developing hybrid seed corn, which is used by farmers to feed people and livestock and is also used in various products such as cosmetics, ethanol, paint, soaps, corn syrup, and glues.

What are the two types of pollination mentioned in the script?

The two types of pollination mentioned are 'selfing', where pollen from one plant is placed on the silks of the same plant, and 'crossing', where pollen from one plant is placed on the silks of a different plant.

What is the role of chute bags in the pollination process?

Chute bags are used to cover the ear chutes before the silks emerge. This helps control the pollen source and prevents contamination, ensuring the pollination process is accurate and efficient.

What is pollen contamination, and why is it a problem?

Pollen contamination occurs when pollen from an unintended source makes contact with the silks, resulting in 'out crosses'. These out crosses cannot be used in the breeding process, which is why contamination must be avoided.

What steps should be avoided to prevent contamination during pollination?

To prevent contamination, avoid covering ear shoots after silks have emerged, using damaged chute bags, touching the silks or the inside of the tassel bag, and exposing the silks to open air.

How can you identify an ear shoot that is ready for chute bagging?

Ear shoots that are large enough to hold a chute bag can usually be found between 1/3 and 1/2 the way up the plant. It's important to cover only the top shoot and to avoid covering shoots with silks already emerging.

What is the importance of tassel bags in pollination?

Tassel bags are used to collect pollen from the tassel, which is then used to pollinate the silks. They help ensure that the pollen source is controlled and pure, avoiding contamination from external sources.

How do you properly place a tassel bag for pollen collection?

To properly place a tassel bag, grab the tassel at its base, gather the branches together, and place the bag over the tassel. Secure the bag with a paper clip, ensuring it stays in place overnight to collect pollen.

What should be done when the tassel bag is removed to pollinate the silks?

When removing the tassel bag, give it a couple of sharp slaps to release the pollen, then shake the bag to ensure all pollen falls into it. The bag should then be placed over the ear chute to pollinate the silks.