Approaches to pollination control, and their impact on facilitating hybrid crops, most often reflect the technology of the time and the specifics of the crop to which they are being applied. Each approach to pollination control has led to a different hybridization platform, whether it be a genetic manipulation, a mechanical intervention, or a chemical intervention. Perfect or imperfect floral structure also impacts the type of pollination control that can be achieved.

The imperfect, monoecious floral structure of maize, for example, greatly facilitated early hybrid development that demonstrated the role that hybrid vigor can play in improving crop productivity. Although perfect flowers presented a challenge to enabling hybrid development in other crops, the recognized value of hybridity spurred the development of crop relevant, cost-effective hybridization platforms.

Whether pollination control was purely mechanical, or whether it was under chemical or genetic control, the desired outcome was a platform that offered the lowest cost of goods (COGs) possible in the production of that hybrid. Cytoplasmic and nuclear male sterility were described decades ago. Recent technology developments have enhanced the likelihood of incorporation of these long-established platforms both into existing hybrid crops and into crops in which hybrids are not yet economically feasible.

In addition to the hybridization platform itself, technologies have been developed that enable the collection and redistribution of pollen, potentially altering the deployment of some hybridization platforms. Still other technologies are under development that could alter how hybrids are produced and maintained.

These technologies, along with development of cost-effective hybrid production practices, have potential in facilitating delivery of affordable hybrid wheat