Brilio.net - Pollination is an important process in the reproduction of flowering plants. In this process, pollen from male flowers is transferred to the stigma of female flowers. Pollination occurs so that plants can produce seeds and reproduce. The pollination process can take place with the help of various external factors, such as wind , water, insects, and humans. The role of pollination is crucial in the growth of fruits and seeds, which later become an important part of the plant life cycle and food chain.
Pollination occurs through several stages. First, pollen formed in the anther must reach the stigma, which is the receptive part of the female flower. Once the pollen reaches the stigma, fertilization occurs, allowing the formation of seeds. Each type of plant has a different way of pollinating, depending on the environment and natural factors around it.
Purpose of Pollination.
The main purpose of pollination is to allow plants to produce seeds that can then grow into new plants. In addition, pollination also maintains genetic diversity, especially in plants that are pollinated by living things, such as insects and other animals. This genetic diversity is important for maintaining plant resistance to various environmental changes.
To better understand this process, here are some types of pollination and how the process occurs:
1. Self-pollination (Autogamy).
Self-pollination occurs when pollen from a flower falls directly onto the stigma of the same flower. This means that fertilization occurs within a single flower without the help of external factors, such as wind or insects. This usually occurs in plants whose flowers have both male and female parts.
Examples of plants: Rice, tomatoes, and beans.
2. Neighbor Pollination (Geitonogamy).
Geitonogamy is pollination that occurs when pollen from a flower falls on the stigma of another flower, but still on the same plant. Although there is a transfer of pollen from one flower to another, genetically, these two flowers still come from the same individual.
Examples of plants: Corn and peanuts.
3. Cross Pollination (Allogamy).
Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one plant is transferred to the stigma of a flower of another plant of the same species. It is the most common form of pollination and often results in more genetically diverse offspring. The process is usually aided by external factors, such as wind, water, or pollinating animals.
Examples of plants: Apples, coconuts, and sunflowers.
4. Hybrid Pollination.
Hybrid pollination is the process of pollination between two different types or varieties of plants. The main purpose of this pollination is to produce hybrid plants that have superior properties from both parent plants. This hybridization is often used in the world of agriculture to create plants with better results.
Examples of plants: Hybrid oranges and hybrid roses.
5. Pollination with the help of wind (Anemogamy).
Anemogamy occurs when pollen is carried by the wind to reach the stigma of another flower. This type of pollination is very dependent on wind factors, so plants that carry out this pollination usually have very light pollen and flowers that are not too flashy to attract insects.
Examples of plants: Wheat, corn, and pine.
6. Pollination with the Assistance of Animals (Zoidiogamy).
In this type of pollination, pollen is transferred by animals, such as insects, birds, or bats. Plants that carry out this type of pollination usually have showy, brightly colored flowers or produce nectar to attract these animals. Insects such as bees or butterflies are very common in this type of pollination.
Examples of plants: Orchids, sunflowers, and cacti.
7. Pollination with the help of water (Hydrogamy).
Hydrogamy pollination is a pollination process that occurs with the help of water, usually in plants that live in water or in very humid environments. Pollen in this case floats on the surface of the water and is carried by the current until it reaches the female flower.
Examples of plants: Algae and aquatic plants such as Vallisneria.
By understanding the different types of pollination, it is important to realize that each plant has a unique way of maintaining its survival. The process of pollination plays a central role in the sustainability of plant species and contributes to biodiversity. Through pollination, whether it is self-pollination, cross-pollination, or with the help of wind and animals, plants can continue to reproduce, creating new offspring that are able to survive in an ever-changing environment.