Self‐ and open‐pollination as factors influencing seed quality in leek (Allium porrum)

SUMMARY The effect of self‐pollination compared with open‐pollination on leek seed weight, and subsequent seedling emergence and growth were observed for two years of seed production. Open‐pollination gave higher mean seed weights and lower seedling losses during plant establishment than self‐pollination. Depending upon the year, the individual plant and pollination method, between 2. 4 and 56.6% of the variation in seedling weight c. 4–5 wk after sowing under controlled conditions was accounted for by differences in seed weight and time of seedling emergence. In 1984 but not 1983, a greater proportion of the variation in seedling weight was accounted for by seed weight and time of seedling emergence in open than self‐pollinated seeds.