Fertilization and seed production with pollen from in-vitro-cultured maize tassels.

Immature tassel meristems (1-1.5 cm) of maize (Zea mays L.) explanted to a defined nutrient medium underwent further growth and floral development. Microsporogenesis, gametogenesis and pollen maturation were completed within 25 d in vitro. The pollen, recovered from the cultured tassel, germinated on nutrient agar and also on receptive silks. Viable seed produced from controlled pollinations germinated and grew into mature, normal plants. Thus, a significant component of the life cycle of maize can be completed in vitro where analyses and manipulations are possible for both basic and applied research.