Self-Pollination Plants: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered how plants reproduce? For many of us, the process is shrouded in mystery, but it is one of the most important aspects of plant life. Self-pollination is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when a plant fertilizes its own flowers without the assistance of external pollinators. In this article, we will explore the different types of self-pollinating plants, their advantages and disadvantages, and how you can increase their yield.

What are self-pollinating plants?

Self-pollination occurs when a plant transfers pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This means that the plant does not require an external agent, such as bees or other insects, to transport pollen between flowers. Self-pollinating plants have evolved a range of strategies to ensure that they can reproduce without the aid of external pollinators.

Types of self-pollinating plants

There are two main types of self-pollinating plants: obligate self-pollinators and facultative self-pollinators. Obligate self-pollinators are plants that always self-pollinate and never cross-pollinate. Facultative self-pollinators, on the other hand, can either self-pollinate or cross-pollinate depending on environmental conditions, such as the availability of pollinators or the density of flowering plants.

Obligate self-pollinators

Obligate self-pollinators are often characterized by small flowers that remain closed until they are ready to be pollinated. Some examples of obligate self-pollinating plants include wheat, oats, and soybeans.

Facultative self-pollinators

Facultative self-pollination is a common strategy used by many plants to ensure fertilization even in the absence of external pollinators. Some examples of facultative self-pollinating plants include tomatoes, peppers, and beans.

Advantages and disadvantages of self-pollination

Self-pollination has both advantages and disadvantages for plants. One of the main advantages is that it allows plants to reproduce even in environments where external pollinators are scarce or absent. Self-pollination can also ensure that a plant's offspring are genetically identical to the parent plant, which can be an advantage in some situations.

However, there are also some disadvantages associated with self-pollination. One of the main disadvantages is that it can lead to inbreeding depression, which is a reduction in fitness due to the accumulation of deleterious mutations. Inbreeding depression can lead to reduced fertility, growth rates, and resistance to disease and pests.

How to increase yield in self-pollinating plants

If you want to increase the yield of your self-pollinating plants, there are several strategies that you can use. One of the most effective ways to increase yield is to select plants with desirable traits, such as high yield, disease resistance, or early maturity. You can then use these plants to produce seeds that will give rise to plants with similar traits.

Another effective strategy is to remove the stamens from the flowers of your self-pollinating plants. This will prevent self-pollination and encourage cross-pollination, which can increase genetic diversity and improve plant fitness.

Self-pollinating plants list

Cereals

Cereals, such as wheat, oats, and barley, are obligate self-pollinators. They have small flowers that remain closed until they are ready to be pollinated. This ensures that the pollen is transferred from the male part of the flower to the female part without the aid of external pollinators.

Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils, are facultative self-pollinators. They have a range of strategies to ensure that they can reproduce even in the absence of external pollinators. For example, some legumes have flowers that are self-fertile, meaning that they are able to fertilize themselves.

Solanaceae

Solanaceae, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, are also facultative self-pollinators. They have a range of strategies to ensure that they can reproduce even in the absence of external pollinators. For example, some solanaceae have flowers that are hermaphroditic, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination?

A:

Self-pollination occurs when a plant fertilizes its own flowers without the assistance of external pollinators, while cross-pollination occurs when a plant transfers pollen from the male part of one flower to the female part of another flower on a different plant.

Q2: Are all plants capable of self-pollination?

A:

No, not all plants are capable of self-pollination. Some plants rely solely on external pollinators to transport pollen between flowers.

Q3: Is self-pollination better than cross-pollination?

A:

There is no simple answer to this question, as the advantages and disadvantages of self-pollination and cross-pollination depend on the specific situation. In general, self-pollination is advantageous in environments where external pollinators are scarce or absent, while cross-pollination can increase genetic diversity and improve plant fitness.

Q4: How can I tell if a plant is self-pollinating?

A:

One way to tell if a plant is self-pollinating is to observe its flowers. If the flowers are small and remain closed until they are ready to be pollinated, the plant is likely an obligate self-pollinator. If the flowers are hermaphroditic or have other adaptations that allow them to reproduce without external pollinators, the plant is likely a facultative self-pollinator.

Q5: Can self-pollinating plants become genetically identical?

A:

Yes, self-pollinating plants can become genetically identical over time, as they are reproducing asexually. This can be advantageous in some situations, but it can also lead to reduced genetic diversity and increased susceptibility to disease and pests.


Self-pollination is an important aspect of plant life that has evolved in response to a range of environmental conditions. While self-pollination has both advantages and disadvantages, it is an effective strategy for ensuring that plants can reproduce even in environments where external pollinators are scarce or absent. By understanding the different types of self-pollinating plants and how to increase their yield, you can improve the productivity of your garden or farm and contribute to sustainable agriculture.