This usually occurs about 7-10 days after fertilization of the ovules. However, there is a more rapid means to determine pollination success. Each potential kernel on the ear has a silk attached to it. Within 1 to 3 days after a silk is pollinated and fertilization of the ovule is successful, the silk will detach from the developing kernel. Unfertilized ovules will still have attached silks.
Silks turn brown and dry up after the fertilization process occurs.
By carefully unwrapping the husk leaves from an ear and then gently shaking the ear, the silks from the fertilized ovules will readily drop off. Keep in mind that silks can remain receptive to pollen up to 10 days after emergence. Sampling several ears at random throughout a field will provide an indication of the progress of pollination. The relatively high test weights reported from most fields indicate that there are likely few grain quality issues at this time. Growers that have decided to save seed of this year's wheat crop for planting this fall should have the seed tested for germination.