Pollination and Its Types and Differences

The process of transfer and deposition of pollen grains from an anther of a flower to the stigma of a carpel of the same or another flower is known as pollination. This process is achieved in different ways, but the method of pollination is different in different species. Pollination is generally of two types: self pollination and cross pollination. When the pollen grain is transferred from anther to the stigma of the same flower, it is called self pollination

or autogamy as in pea and China rose. When the pollen grains from the anthers of one
flower are transferred on the stigma of flowers of different plant belonging to same species is called cross pollination or allogamy of same species. It is very common in the majority of the flowering plants like palm, papaya, etc. Cross pollination takes place by different agents like air, water, insects, birds, man, etc.

Differences between Self pollination and Cross pollination:

• Self pollination is a process of transfer of pollen grain from anther to the stigma of the same flower or different flower of same plant whereas cross pollination is a process of transfer of pollen grain from anther of a flower to the stigma of another flower of the different plant of the same species.

• Self pollination occurs in bisexual flower whereas cross pollination occurs in both unisexual and flower.

• External agency is not required in self pollination whereas external agency like air, water, insects, birds, man, etc. are required in cross pollination.

• Varieties of plants are not produced in self pollination whereas varieties of plants are produced in cross pollination.