What is the main difference between pistillate lines of castor and tassels of maize ?

The main difference between the pistillate lines of castor (Ricinus communis) and the tassels of maize (Zea mays) lies in their reproductive structures and functions within the respective plants' reproductive systems:

 

Pistillate Lines of Castor:

 

Castor plants are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The pistillate lines of castor refer to the female flowers or reproductive structures of the plant.

In castor, the female flowers are borne on the terminal ends of erect spikes or inflorescences. Each female flower consists of a pistil composed of a single ovary containing the potential seeds (castor beans), surrounded by stigma and style structures for pollen reception.

The pistillate lines of castor are responsible for seed production, as they contain the ovaries where fertilization occurs and seeds develop. Pollen from the male flowers must be transferred to the pistillate flowers for pollination and seed set to occur.

 

Tassels of Maize:

 

·         Maize plants are also monoecious and produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The tassels of maize refer to the male flowers or reproductive structures of the plant.

·         In maize, the tassel is a terminal inflorescence composed of numerous spikelets, each containing male flowers. The male flowers consist of stamens that produce pollen grains, which are released into the air for pollination.

·         The tassels of maize are responsible for pollen production and dissemination. They shed copious amounts of pollen, which is carried by the wind to the silks (female flowers) located on the ears of the maize plant for pollination and fertilization.

In summary, the main difference between the pistillate lines of castor and the tassels of maize lies in their reproductive structures and functions within their respective plants. The pistillate lines of castor are female reproductive structures responsible for seed production, while the tassels of maize are male reproductive structures responsible for pollen production and dissemination for pollination of the female flowers.