Effect of airflow speed on pollens distribution for hybrid rice breeding pollination

Effect of airflow speed (including natural wind) on pollens distribution for hybrid rice breeding pollination is very significant, which correlates with the yield of breeding seed closely. To study the effect of airflow speed on pollination, the basic principle of pneumatic pollination for hybrid rice breeding was analyzed. Then, tests were conducted to validate the effect of airflow speed on pollens distribution based on pollens density, horizontal distribution and vertical distribution. The results showed that pollens distribution was affected by airflow speed significantly, and pollens density, horizontal distribution and vertical distribution increased with the airflow speed increased. A distinct bimodal pattern appeared in horizontal distribution, and the second peak was far away from the pollen source with the airflow speed increased. Vertical distribution showed that pollens were close to the center of airflow with the airflow speed increased, which suggested that pollens could be spread in straight line with a certain speed and directional airflow. When the airflow speed was at 20 m/s, pollens were more in horizontal distribution, of which the vertical distribution could meet the demand of transmitting in the working area. It provides a scientific basis for further study of pollination machinery by airflow.