Pollen Pistil Interaction: Steps

The major difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination is When pollen from the anther is deposited on the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant, self-pollination occurs. On the other hand, the transfer of pollen from one flower’s anther to another flower’s stigma on a specific individual of the same species is referred to as cross-pollination. Self-pollination takes place in flowers in which the stamen and carpel develop simultaneously and are situated so that pollen lands on the flower’s stigma.

A gynoecium, also known as a pistil, is the flower’s female reproductive organ. It comprises a style, a stigma, and an ovary. It plays a vital role during the process of pollination.

Nectar is a sugar-rich fluid created by plants in organs called nectaries or nectarines, either inside the blossoms, which draw in pollinating creatures, or extrafloral nectaries, which give a supplement source to creature mutualists, which thus give herbivore insurance. Mosquitoes, hoverflies, wasps, honey bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, honeyeaters, and bats are instances of nectar-consuming pollinators.

 Pollinators such as birds, bees, beetles, and bats are drawn to the nectar. The animals get a tasty beverage, and the plant gets pollen stuck to the animal. When the animal moves on to the next flower, the pollen follows and has the potential to fertilise a plant egg. As a result, the plants can reproduce. The nectar acts as a bribe to keep pollinators returning. Some plants have nectaries that are not found in the flowers. These nectaries generate sweet nectar but not pollen.