No, there aren't male and female corn seeds. A single corn seed contains the genetic information to grow a corn plant capable of producing both male and female reproductive parts.
While individual seeds aren't sexed, the corn plant itself has both male and female components:
- Male part: The tassel, located at the top of the plant, produces pollen.
- Female part: The silk and ear, located lower on the plant, receive pollen to develop kernels (seeds).
To control pollination in certain situations, such as hybrid seed production, the tassels of some corn plants (those intended to be the "female" parent) are sometimes removed. This prevents self-pollination and allows for cross-pollination with a specific "male" parent. This doesn't mean the plant was female to begin with; it only means its male parts were removed to ensure desired breeding. The plants still originate from seeds that contain the genetic capability to produce both male and female floral structures.
