Blütenbestäubung

Blütenbestäubung, also known as pollination, is the process by which pollen is transferred from the anther of a flower to the stigma. This transfer is essential for sexual reproduction in flowering plants, leading to the formation of seeds and fruits. Pollination can occur in two main ways: self-pollination, where pollen from the same flower or another flower on the same plant is transferred, and cross-pollination, where pollen is transferred from a flower on one plant to a flower on a different plant of the same species.

Various agents facilitate pollination. Wind pollination, or anemophily, is common in grasses, sedges, and many trees. These plants often produce large quantities of lightweight pollen that is carried by the wind. Insect pollination, or entomophily, is employed by a vast number of flowering plants, including many fruits and vegetables. Insects like bees, butterflies, moths, and flies are attracted to flowers by their bright colors, attractive scents, and nectar. As they feed, pollen adheres to their bodies and is transferred to other flowers. Bird pollination, or ornithophily, involves birds, such as hummingbirds and sunbirds, feeding on nectar and inadvertently carrying pollen. Other less common agents include bats and water.

The success of pollination is crucial for maintaining plant biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Many crops rely heavily on pollination, and the decline in pollinator populations poses a significant threat to global food security. Conservation efforts are increasingly focused on protecting and supporting pollinator species.