enesepollinatsioon

Enesepollinatsioon, also known as self-pollination, is a form of pollination in plants where pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This process occurs in many plant species and is a key mechanism for reproduction. Self-pollination can happen in two main ways: geitonogamy, where pollen moves from one flower to another on the same plant, and autogamy, where pollen fertilizes the ovules within the same flower.

Plants have evolved various strategies to facilitate self-pollination. Some flowers are cleistogamous, meaning they remain closed and self-pollinate before the flower even opens, ensuring successful reproduction. Others have bisexual flowers with both male and female reproductive organs, making self-pollination a natural outcome. While self-pollination can ensure reproduction, especially in the absence of pollinators or in isolated populations, it can lead to reduced genetic diversity compared to cross-pollination. This lack of diversity can make self-pollinating plants more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes. However, it also allows for the rapid establishment of desirable traits. Many plants, like peas and tomatoes, primarily rely on self-pollination.