Self-Pollination Vs. Cross-Pollination in Plants

Pollination

• Pollination is the transfer of pollen from one male anther to a female stigma. Once pollinated, a pollen tube forms on the stigma, which reaches the ovule as the tube grows. After pollination, if the flower is successfully fertilized, the growth of fruits and seeds begins. If a plant is not fully pollinated, partial fertilization occurs and seeds and fruits do not develop fully. If the plant is not fertilized at all, it doesn’t produce seeds or fruits.

Pollinator

• Pollinators play a vital role in the pollination of plants. Pollinators transfer the pollen from one flower to another. Pollinators include wasps, moths, flies, butterflies, birds, beetles, bees and bats. Wind is another pollinator for plants. When the wind blows the plant stems or branches, it causes the plant flower to release pollen. As the wind continues to blow, the loosened pollen becomes airborne and lands on other flowers.

Self-Pollination

• When a plant is self-pollinating, it has the ability to pollinate and fertilize itself. This means that the plant does not need another plant of the same species for pollination. Pollen is moved from the male anther of the plant to the female stigma on the same plant.

Cross-Pollination

• Cross-pollination requires two plants of the same species for pollination of the flowers. Without another plant close by in the same species, the plant is not fertilized. Seed and fruit development does not occur.

Exceptions

• Fruit trees such as the Bartlett and Anjou pear trees are somewhat self-fruitful, which means that the plant can self-pollinate. However, for larger yields of fruit, cross-pollination with a different variety such as Moonglow or Maxine is needed. This is true for self-fruitful apple, apricot and peach varieties as well.