Self Pollination

Self pollination is a process where pollen from the same plant reaches the stigma of a flower or ovule. This can occur in both angiosperms (flowering plants) and gymnosperms (non-flowering plants like conifers). Self- pollination can be further divided into two types: Autogamy and Geitonogamy.

Autogamy

Autogamy is a form of self fertilization where fusion of two gametes from the same individual take place. It is most commonly observed in the form of self-pollination.

• Autogamy is generally avoided in nature as the seeds produced result in subsequent species with low genetic diversity.
• This type of pollination can be seen in wheat, rice, pea, and other crops.

Also Read: Parts of Seed

Geitonogamy

Geitonogamy is a type of self-pollination that involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on the same plant.

• Functionally it is similar to cross-pollination, but genetically similar to autogamy.
• It requires pollinating agents, such as wind, insects,birds,etc. A pollinator can visit multiple flowers on the same plant to complete the process of pollination.
• Examples: Monoecious plants like maize.

Advantages of Self- Pollination

Self pollination have several advantages that includes:

• Self-pollination preserves the genetic properties of a species.
• Plants need not depend on the external pollinating agents like wind, insects or birds for pollination.
• Self-pollination ensures seed production.
• There are fewer chances of pollination failure.
• Self-pollination avoids pollen grain wastage.
• Flowers don’t need to produce scent, nectar, or be colored to attract pollinators.

Also Read: Morphology of Flower

Disadvantages of Self-Pollination

Some of the disadvantages of self-pollination are as follows:

• Seeds are produced in small quantity and are of low quality.
• Self-pollination can lead to a lack of variation, which means there is no adaptation to changing environments or potential pathogen attacks.
• It prevents the creation of new plant varieties.
• Self-pollination doesn’t introduce new characteristics, which can decrease the immunity of the offspring.
• It doesn’t allow weaker strains to be eliminated.

Pollination is transferring pollen from the male anther to the female stigma of a plant. It forms an essential part of the plant reproduction process that leads to fertilization and the production of seeds. There are two types of pollination: Self-pollination and cross-pollination. The other types of pollination include Entomophily, Ornithophily, Geitonogamy, Chiropterophily, Hydrophily, and Zoophily. Various pollinating agents that carry the pollen grain are wind, water, insects, birds, bees, and animals. In this article, we will study pollination, its Types, pollinating agents, and its advantages and disadvantages.