David Holding, associate department head in agronomy and horticulture, uncovers a popcorn tassel in a University of Nebraska–Lincoln test plot on East Campus.
Every bucket of popcorn enjoyed during summer blockbusters starts with a kernel of research. University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers hand-pollinate popcorn to develop improved hybrids that could offer better nutrition, taste and performance for growers in Nebraska and beyond. The work builds on Nebraska's status as the nation's top popcorn-producing state, with more than 360 million pounds harvested each year — roughly one-third of the U.S. commercial popcorn supply.
Read more about the impacts of the university's popcorn research.
William Huynh, a summer research scholar from the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program, covers a popcorn tassel as they work to pollinate Quality Protein Popcorn Hybrids in test plots on East Campus on July 13.Jordan Opp | University Communication and Marketing
David Holding, associate department head in agronomy and horticulture, pours collected pollen onto a popcorn silk during hand-pollination in East Campus test plots on July 13. The careful process allows researchers to create specific crosses as they develop improved popcorn hybrids.
Cephas Sithole, a graduate student in agronomy, writes on a bag before placing it on a a popcorn tassel.
William Huynh covers a popcorn tassel during hand-pollination.
Aerial view of an East Campus popcorn hybrid test plot.
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