b"Harnessing the Power of Pollen Quality for Improved Seed Production and BreedingIn the race to feed a growing global population, the spotlight is on an unsung hero of plant reproduction: pollen. Enter Amphasys.By Dawn Ius, Seed World Associate Editor IN THE RACEto feed a growingleading to improved seed yields and global population, the spotlight is oncrop performance. In an era where food an unsung hero of plant reproduction:security looms as a critical challenge, this pollen. Vital for transferring genetic infor- knowledge transforms how the agricul-mation, pollen plays a significant role intural sector approaches productionensuring a fruitful seed set. Yet, achievingmaking it more efficient, sustainable, and efficient reproduction is fraught with chal- responsive to environmental demands.lenges. Pollen is vulnerable, facing threatsWith the global population projected from abiotic factors such as temperatureWith the global population projected toto approach nearly 10 billion by 2050, changes, humidity, and UV radiation,approach nearly 10 billion by 2050,innovations like those from Amphasys as well as genetic issues like inbreedinginnovations like those from Amphasysare vital. The focus on quality pollen is depression. With such pressures on pollenare vital. not merely about improving immedi-viability, understanding and managingate outcomes; it plays a key role in the its quality has become more crucial thanlarger narrative of sustainable agriculture. evernot just for hybrid breeding butWhen breeders and producers prioritize also for line breeding efforts. journey from anther to stigma. This isthe viability of pollen, they are laying the Enter Amphasys, a pioneering com- where Amphasys technology becomesgroundwork for successful breeding prac-pany at the forefront of agriculturalinvaluable, providing data that allowstices that can withstand the challenges of innovation. Their cutting-edge technol- breeders to make informed choices aboutclimate change and resource scarcity.ogy is revolutionizing how breeders andoptimizing crop placement and fine-tun- Pollen quality has transitioned from seed producers assess pollen quality,ing female-to-male ratios.being an afterthought to a core ele-offering a fast, easy-to-use tool that deliv- By determining the viability thresholdment of agricultural success. Thanks to ers precision insights. This capability isfor full seed set, Amphasys empow- advancements in technology, companies significant, especially as the agriculturalers seed producers to develop preciselike Amphasys are ensuring that this landscape grows increasingly competitiveproduction patterns, particularly crucialcritical aspect of plant reproduction is no and complex. for managing low-performing pollinators.longer overlooked. As the industry con-High-quality pollen is indispensable forFurthermore, the technology supportstinues to evolve, high-quality pollen will effective pollination and achieving opti- the development of effective storageremain at the heart of successful breeding mal seed sets. When it comes to hybridprotocols, ensuring that pollen maintainsand seed production strategies, shaping a breedingoften a more expensive andits viability for as long as necessary. new era in agriculture's ongoing quest for resource-intensive endeavorpollenThe implications of these advance- efficiency and sustainability. health can make or break production out- ments are far-reaching. As growersIn this dynamic landscape, its clear: comes. The reality is that abiotic stressorsleverage detailed insights into pollenunderstanding and optimizing pollen can wreak havoc on pollen viability; evencharacteristics, they can significantlyquality isnt just beneficialits essential minor disruptions can hinder the crucialenhance their decision-making processes,for the future of global food production. JUNE 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /23"