crosspollinate

Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower on one plant to the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the same species. If fertilization occurs, the resulting seeds carry genetic material from both parent plants, increasing genetic diversity in the offspring. This process is contrasted with self-pollination, in which pollen fertilizes flowers on the same plant or on the same flower. Cross-pollination can be mediated by biotic vectors such as bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, or by abiotic means such as wind or water. Successful cross-pollination requires compatible pollen and receptive stigmas, as well as synchronous flowering between donor and recipient plants.

In ecological terms, cross-pollination promotes genetic variation, local adaptation, and resilience of plant populations. In agriculture and horticulture, controlled cross-pollination is a common breeding tool used to combine desirable traits such as yield, flavor, pest resistance, or climate tolerance. Some crops depend heavily on cross-pollination (for example, many fruit crops and cucurbits), while others are predominantly self-pollinating. Breeding programs may use techniques to ensure cross-pollination, including isolation of parent plants, controlled pollination, and, where relevant, managing pollinator populations.