Question

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of cross-pollination to the plant.

Answer 1

Advantages of cross pollination:

• The offspring are healthier.
• The seeds are produced in larger number and are more viable.
• The seeds develop and germinate properly and grow into better plants.
• Results in new varieties because cross-pollination can be carried out between two different varieties of the same species or even two species.

Disadvantages of cross pollination:

• It is not always certain as a pollinating agent is always required, and it may or may not be available at the suitable time.
• Pollen grains have to be produced in abundance to ensure chances of pollination. This results in lot of wastage of pollen.
• It is uneconomical for plants as they have to produce flowers that are large, perfumed and with nectar to attract insects