The Difference between Cross Pollination and Self Pollination
For any plant to reproduce, fertilization is necessary. Fertilization occurs when the male reproductive cell (pollen) meets with the female reproductive cell (ovule) in the flower. However, plants have different ways of achieving fertilization, namely through self-pollination or cross-pollination. In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two methods.
Self Pollination
As the name indicates, self-pollination occurs when the pollen from the male reproductive organ (stamen) lands on the female reproductive organ (pistil) of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. Self-pollinating plants have both male and female reproductive organs on the same flower, and in some cases on the same plant. Examples of self-pollinating plants include tomatoes, beans, peas, and peppers.
Self-pollination is advantageous since it guarantees that the plant will produce offspring that are identical to itself, ensuring that desirable traits are retained from generation to generation. However, the downside of self-pollination is that it can limit genetic diversity, making the plant vulnerable to diseases and pests.
Cross Pollination
Cross-pollination, on the other hand, occurs when pollen from the male reproductive organ of one plant fertilizes the female reproductive organ of another plant. This method usually requires the transfer of pollen by wind, insects, or other agents. Plants that rely on cross-pollination have either separate male and female flowers on the same plant or entirely different plants of the same species located near each other.
Cross-pollination allows for a more extensive genetic diversity, which is essential for the survival and adaptation of plants. Insects like bees and butterflies also benefit from cross-pollination since they extract nectar and pollen from flowers as they move from one plant to another.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between cross-pollination and self-pollination lies in the origin of the pollen. Self-pollination occurs when the pollen comes from the same flower or plant, while cross-pollination occurs when the pollen comes from a different plant. Both self-pollination and cross-pollination are essential for plant reproduction, and each method has its benefits and limitations. Knowing the difference between the two methods can help gardeners and farmers cultivate plants effectively and efficiently.
Table difference between cross pollination and self pollination
| Cross Pollination | Self Pollination |
|---|---|
| Cross pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ of one flower to the female reproductive organ of another flower of the same species. | Self pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ to the female reproductive organ within the same flower, or between flowers of the same plant. |
| Cross pollination involves the intervention of external agents like wind, water, insects, birds, etc. | Self pollination does not require any external agent and occurs within the same flower or plant. |
| Cross pollination helps in genetic variation by bringing together genes from different plants. | Self pollination results in very little genetic variation as the same genes are inherited from the parent plant. |
| Cross pollination is advantageous as it leads to the formation of strong and healthy offspring. | Self pollination can lead to the formation of weak offspring due to inbreeding depression. |
| Cross pollination is common in plants that are hermaphrodite, dioecious, or monoecious. | Self pollination is common in plants that are monoecious or hermaphrodite. |