Introduction

There are two types of pollination, self-pollination, and cross-pollination. Pollination is the process of reproduction in plants. Two different types of pollination, self-pollination and cross-pollination can be further sub-categorized. Pollen grains are also known as sperm cells or male gametes of plants, they are microscopic single-cell bodies that contain male genes of plants. Pollen grains from the male part of the plant ( anther ) are transferred to the female part of the plant ( stigma ), by different means and processes, which is pertained to as pollination. Let us look at two different types of pollination.

Self-Pollination

When pollen grains from the male part of the plant (anther) fall directly on the female part (stigma) of the same plant and fertilization occurs, this type of pollination which deals with only one plant is referred to as self-pollination. The plants that undergo self-pollination are called self-pollinating plants. Some examples of self-pollinating plants are apricot, rice, and wheat. Self-pollination itself is a type of pollination, it can be farther subcategories as well. self-pollination can be of two types.

1. Autogamy

2. Geitonogamy

Autogamy

This type of self-pollination occurs when the transfer of sperm cells from the pollen grain to the stigma takes place within the same flower of the same plant.

Geitonogamy

This type of self-pollination occurs when the transfer of pollen grains from the male part of the plant to the female part of the plant takes place in different flowers but of the same plant.

Cross-Pollination

This is a more complex type of pollination as pollen grain from one plant is transferred to the stigma of a different plant. Pollinating agents are needed for the movement of pollen grains for cross-pollination. Pollinating agents can be anything like creatures, insects, and wind. Cross-pollination is also called xenogamy. Cross-pollination can be further sub-categorized into two different types.

Types of cross-pollination

• pollination through biotic factors like creatures, insects, birds, etc.

• pollination through abiotic factors like wind, water etc.