Pollination

What is pollination? It is a sexual reproduction phenomenon that allows the transport of pollen grains produced by the male organs to the female organs. There are two categories of flowers to ensure the reproduction of a plant: Bisexual flowers are flowers with male organs (anthers) and female organs (ovaries) in the same flower. Bisexual flowers are divided into two families: Autogamous plants (Hermaphrodites or self-fertile). The flowers ensure their own fertilization from their own pollen. The male and female organs are on the same flower. Example: peach and apricot trees. Allogamous plants. The ovule is fertilized by pollen from another plant despite the presence of stamens on the same flower. This is cross-pollination. Example: cherry trees. Unisexual flowers are flowers with male organs (stamens) and female organs (pistils) in separate flowers. Unisexual flowers are also divided into two families: Dioecious plants. This is a unisexual plant requiring the presence of a male and a female plant to ensure proper fertilization. Example: kiwis. Monoecious plants. The plant produces male flowers distinct from the female flowers on the same plant. Example: cucurbits, corn. How is pollination ensured? Pollen grains are transported largely by pollinators. Attracted by the nectar, color, and shape of flowers, pollinating insects (such as bees, butterflies, or bumblebees) land on flowers near the pistil to collect precious pollen. As they fly from flower to flower, they involuntarily carry pollen from different flowers and thus ensure the pollination of a large number of plants, including fruit trees. These plants, whose pollination is mainly ensured by pollinating insects, are called entomophilous plants. It is therefore important to maximize the presence of these insects in the garden and reserve a flowered plot for them near the vegetable garden (or orchard) to attract and feed them. Weather conditions also have an impact on the production, release, and dispersal of pollen grains. Rain, wind, and temperature promote or decrease the dispersal of pollen in the air. Rain and low temperatures significantly reduce the proper circulation of grains. On the other hand, warm temperatures and dry weather allow pollen to be released more easily from flowers. As for the wind, it helps the grains move. These plants whose pollination is ensured mainly by weather conditions are called anemophilous plants. Fruit trees and their pollination. For self-sterile varieties that need to be pollinated by another member of their species, it is useful to know the complementary varieties present in the surrounding area. Example: The Fuyu persimmon pollinates the Haschyia persimmon or the Reine des Reinettes apple tree pollinates the Bonne Hotture apple tree. For pollination to be possible and to ensure a better yield, the plot must accommodate other varieties within a maximum radius of 3km. This can be in the same garden or in the neighborhood. For self-fertile varieties that ensure their own fertilization, it is not mandatory to have another pollinating variety. Adding one in addition nevertheless helps ensure a more efficient yield.