Question

Write different modes of pollination in detail with suitable examples.

Answer 1

The two modes of pollination are:

(i) Self-pollination - It is the transfer of pollens produced within the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or to the stigma of another flower of the same plant. In such flowers, pollination is ensured since the flowers bear similar genetic characters. Self-pollination can occur in bisexual or monoecious flowers. Examples of plants showing self-pollination are Mirabilis, Arachis, etc.

(ii) Cross-pollination - It is the transfer of pollen grains from the anthers of a flower of one plant to the stigma of a flower of another plant. Cross-pollination occurs in unisexual or dioecious flowers such as papaya, maize, jasmine, rose etc.