Advantages and Disadvantages of Self Pollination

Introduction

Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from anthers to the stigma of the same flower. Self-pollination occurs exclusively in bisexual flowers, where the anthers and stigma mature at the same time. In this instance, the pollen grains are received by the stigma from the same flower or a different blossom of the same plant. Autogamy occurs when a flower is pollinated by its own pollen, as in wheat, peas, rice, and other plants. Geitonogamy occurs when pollen grains from one bloom are transported to the stigma of another flower on the same plant.

Adaptation for Self-Pollination

Self-pollination is favoured in nature by one of the following flower adaptations:

• Homogamy:-Homogamy is a term used to describe the relationship between two people.Homogamy occurs when the anther and stigma of bisexual flowers mature at the same time, allowing for self-pollination. The stigma collects pollen grains from the anthers of the same flower through the agency of wind or insects in this situation. Mirabilis, Ixora, Sunflower, and so on
• Cleistogamy:-Some bisexual blooms never open because of cleistogamy. They’re little and inconspicuous, and they’re always shut. As a result, pollen grains can only fertilise one flower’s stigma. Cleistogamy is the name given to this condition, and cleistogamous flowers are the flowers that result. Commelina benghalensis, Impatiens (Balsam), Arachis hypogea (Groundnut), and more species come to mind
• Bud Pollination:-The anthers and stigmas of intersexual or perfect flowers ripen before the buds open, allowing self pollination to occur in most cases, such as in Pea, Wheat, and Rice

Geitonogamy

It’s a pollination method in which pollen grains from one bloom are transported to the stigma of another flower from the same or genetically related plant. Flowers in geitonogamy often have alterations comparable to those seen in xenogeny or cross pollination.

Function of Self-Pollination

Most grapevine varieties experience self-pollination before or shortly after cap fall . .Wind and insect pollination, on the other hand, have a minor role in the pollination process. Pollen levels in the air during flowering are modest in comparison to levels associated with cross-pollinated wild grapevines, even in locations where grapes are the primary agricultural crop . 

In Montpellier, France pollen yields of roughly 1.4 104 pollen grains/m2/day were measured. Peak pollen counts for Cabernet Sauvignon were observed at 90 grains/m3 air in Spain and 24 pollen grains/m3 air in Portugal.

Despite the fact that airborne pollen isn’t always required for proper fertilisation in domesticated grapevines, it may help with seed set . This could explain why, in some locations, pollen counts predict yield . Another possibility is that the same dry bright circumstances that enhance pollen release and air dispersal also favour self-pollination and fertilisation.

Advantages of self-pollination

The following are the key benefits of self-pollination:

• Only a few pollen grains are capable of pollinating the bloom
• The race’s purity is preserved
• Pollen grains are not wasted when plants self-pollinate
• Pollination failure is less likely

Contrivances  to Ensure Self Pollination

• Both sexes mature at the same time in bisexual flowers (homogamy)
• Some flowers are bisexual and cleistogamous, meaning that they remain unopened

Disadvantages of Self-Pollination

The following are the drawback of self-pollination

• Self-pollination that continues from generation to generation may degrade the variety or species
• The varieties or breed’s weaker or faulty characteristics cannot be eradicated
• It produces no new varieties

Characteristics of Self-Pollinated Flowers

The following are the characteristics of self-pollinated flowers or plants:

• Self-pollination happens when the same flower’s anther and pistils, or separate flowers from the same plant, pollinate one another
• Self-pollination requires the presence of bisexual flowers or monoecious plants
• Flowers are typically tiny, unattractive, and nectar-free
• A smaller amount of pollen grains is needed
• Self-pollination produces seeds that are small, light in weight, and few in number
• Self-breeding plants’ offspring are weaker. They can be shaky at times
• Other than parents, no new attributes develop
• Progenies have essentially no variety, which is necessary for evolution to occur
• Genetic purity is seen in the plants produced
• Self-pollination boosts plant homozygosity
• Self-pollinated plants have a 100 percent chance of pollination

Conclusion

Self-pollination is the transport of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of the same bloom or another flower on the same plant. Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from anthers to the stigma of the same flower. Self-pollination occurs exclusively in bisexual flowers, where the anthers and stigma mature at the same time. In this instance, the pollen grains are received by the stigma from the same flower or a different blossom of the same plant. Homogamy occurs when the anther and stigma of bisexual flowers mature at the same time, allowing for self-pollination. The stigma collects pollen grains from the anthers of the same flower through the agency of wind or insects in this situation. Geitonogamy It’s a pollination method in which pollen grains from one bloom are transported to the stigma of another flower from the same or genetically related plant. Advantages of self-pollination The following are the key benefits of self-pollination: Only a few pollen grains are capable of pollinating the bloom.