Difference between “Geitonogamy” and “Xenogamy”

Geitonogamy and Xenogamy refer to different types of cross-pollination. Geitonogamy refers to the transfer of pollen grains to the stigma of the same plant. Xenogamy refers to the transfer of pollen grains to the stigma of a different plant.

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Difference between Geitonogamy and Xenogamy

The table below shows the main difference between Geitonogamy and Xenogamy

Geitonogamy

Xenogamy

Geitonogamy is the transfer of pollen to the stigma of another flower of the same plant

Xenogamy is the transfer of pollen to the stigma of another flower of the different plant

It involves flowers of the same plant

It involves flowers of the different plants

Functionally cross-pollination but pollen grains are genetically identical

Cross-pollination and pollen grains are genetically different

Cannot occur in dioecious plants

Dioecious plants show xenogamy

Genetically similar to autogamy

It is an example of allogamy

Examples: maize, corn, etc.

Examples: squash, broccoli, etc.

What is Geitonogamy?

Geitonogamy is a type of autogamy as pollen grains transferred are genetically similar. It involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same plant. It is functionally a cross pollination as pollinating agents are required. It involves the transfer of genetically similar pollen grains to the stigma.

What is Xenogamy?

Xenogamy is a type of allogamy. It involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another plant. It is a type of cross pollination. Pollinating agents are required for this type of pollination. It involves the transfer of genetically different pollen grains to the stigma.

Some of the characteristics that favour cross pollination are:

  • Unisexual or dioecious plants
  • Self-incompatibility
  • Non-synchronous pollen release and stigma receptivity
  • Mechanical barrier between stigma and anthers

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