How does PollenPLUS reduce the risk of ergot infection?

By increasing pollen shedding, it reduces the chances of ergot spores penetrating the stigmas; fertilization happens faster and the glumes close sooner, providing protection for hybrid rye.

What are the key advantages of PollenPLUS?

Advantages include support for ergot defense, lower nitrogen requirements (about 0.5 kg N less per 100 kg harvested grain compared with wheat), observed yield increases up to 10% over 2009–2019, 25% lower water requirements than wheat, higher pollen shedding capacity in PollenPLUS varieties, and the technology starting with seeds.

Who developed PollenPLUS and where can I learn more?

PollenPLUS was developed by KWS, the company behind the PollenPLUS technology.

Which crop benefits most from PollenPLUS?

Hybrid rye benefits most from PollenPLUS.

PollenPLUS® Technology

What is PollenPLUS technology?

Q: What is PollenPLUS technology?

PollenPLUS is a technology from KWS that markedly improves pollen formation in hybrid rye and strengthens ergot resistance by increasing pollen shedding, speeding fertilization, and causing the glumes to close sooner for better protection.

PollenPLUS: Reducing the risk of ergot infection

The innovative PollenPLUS technology from KWS ensures significantly improved pollen formation in hybrid rye and effectively strengthens the plants’ resistance to ergot: The increased pollen shedding prevents the fungus from penetrating the stigmas, the flowers are fertilized faster and the glumes close sooner – meaning the hybrid rye has the best possible protection.

advantages PollenPLUS

PollenPLUS Technology

Can help to support ergot defense

-0,5 kg N

per 100 kg

harvested grain compared to wheat

10 %

in 10 years from 2009 to 2019

25 %

less than wheat

higher

Pollen shedding capacity

Innovation

starts with seeds

PollenPLUS®

KWS Hybrid Rye varieties with PollenPLUS® technology exhibit significantly higher pollen shedding and thus better protection against ergot. To achieve this, we have incorporated various genes into our hybrids that result in higher and more stable pollen shedding.

Dr. Andres Gordillo, Leiter der Roggenzüchtung

1 / 4

If the pollen count is low, ergot spores can penetrate the stigmas of the rye.
2 / 4

This results in an ergot infestation, which can jeopardize the harvest.
3 / 4

The PollenPLUS technology ensures greater pollen counts that repel floating ergot spores.
4 / 4

The result: a strong and healthy rye harvest!