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Collection and Identification of Pollen from Honey Bee Colonies

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Origin of corn: pollen evidence.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|August 21, 1981

Summary

The origin of Indian corn (maize) may be explained by tetraploid teosinte. Experiments show teosinte can produce pollen indistinguishable from ancient maize pollen found in Mexico City.

Area of Science:

* Botany
* Genetics
* Paleobotany

Background:

* The origin of Indian corn (maize) is a long-standing scientific debate.
* Teosinte is considered the closest wild relative of maize, capable of hybridization.
* Previous searches for a direct ancestor have been inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

* To investigate the potential role of tetraploid teosinte in the origin of maize.
* To explain the presence of ancient maize-like pollen grains found in Mexico City.
* To explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing pollen morphology.

Main Methods:

* Inducing tetraploidy in modern teosinte plants using colchicine treatment.
* Analyzing pollen grain size and morphology from treated teosinte.

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* Comparing induced teosinte pollen with ancient pollen grains recovered from deep drill cores.

* Considering the effect of high temperatures on pollen polyploidy.

Main Results:

* Tetraploid teosinte plants produced pollen grains indistinguishable in size from modern maize pollen.
* Ancient pollen grains found in Mexico City strata match modern maize pollen.
* High temperatures, indicated by volcanic clay, can favor polyploidy, potentially affecting pollen volume.

Conclusions:

* Tetraploid teosinte is a plausible ancestor or contributor to maize's origin.
* Environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, may have played a role in maize evolution.
* The findings challenge previous assumptions about wild maize and teosinte's relationship.