What is the process of removing the male part of a corn plant known as?

Detasseling is the process of removing the male part of a corn plant, specifically the tassel, which is where the pollen is produced. This practice is often employed in hybrid seed production to prevent self-pollination and ensure that cross-pollination occurs with a different variety of corn. By removing the tassels from certain plants, growers can control the breeding process and create hybrid varieties that have desirable traits such as improved yield or disease resistance.

Pollination refers to the transfer of pollen from the male part of the plant to the female part. While it is a relevant process in the lifecycle of corn, it does not specifically address the removal of the male part. Cross-breeding is a broader term that refers to the mating of different varieties or species to create new hybrids. Grafting is a horticultural technique used for joining parts from two plants so that they grow as one, which is also unrelated to the removal of the male part of the corn plant. Thus, detasseling is specifically focused on the targeted removal of those male structures to facilitate controlled breeding practices in corn cultivation.