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Self-fertile plants: Crops that pollinate on their own
31.05.2023 00:30
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:25
Some plants don't need other plants to pollinate - and that can be very useful for gardeners.
Lots of cultures have self-fertile varieties, so you should consider planting one of them.
Let's find more about why they are so special.
Advantages of self-fertility
Self-fertility offers certain advantages to plants. It eliminates the need for relying on external pollinators, such as insects, birds, or wind, for successful reproduction. Self-fertile plants can reproduce and set fruits even in situations where pollinators are scarce or absent. This ability can be particularly beneficial in isolated or urban environments where plant populations may be limited.
Genetic traits
Self-fertile plants tend to have a greater degree of genetic uniformity because they do not experience the mixing of genetic material that occurs in cross-pollination. This can lead to more consistent traits in offspring, making them useful for plant breeding and cultivation purposes when specific characteristics need to be maintained.
Examples of self-fertile plants
Many fruit trees and vegetable crops are self-fertile to some extent. Examples include tomatoes, peppers, beans, strawberries, figs, certain citrus fruits like lemons and limes, and some apple and pear varieties. However, it's important to note that while these plants can self-pollinate, some may still benefit from cross-pollination to improve fruit set, yield, or quality.
