Question

What is self-pollination? Mention its merits and demerits

Answer 1

Self-pollination is when pollen from the same plant arrives at the stigma of a flower (in flowering plants) or at the ovule (in gymnosperms). There are two types of self-pollination: in autogamy, pollen is transferred to the stigma of the same flower; in geitonogamy, pollen is transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on the same flowering plant, or from microsporangium to ovule within a single (monoecious) gymnosperm. Some plants have mechanisms that ensure autogamy, such as flowers that do not open 

Answer 2

Dear Student,

◆ Self pollination -

• When transfer of pollen grain occurs from anther of a flower to stigma of same flower, it is called self-pollination.
• For example, rice, tomatoes, coconut, etc.

# Merits of self-pollination -

1. Maintains purity of characteristics.
2. No need of pollinating agents.
3. Wastage of pollens is avoided.

# Demerits of self-pollination -

1. No adaptation to surrounding environment.
2. Less immunity to infections.
3. New varieties are not possible.

Thanks dear...