Q62: Which of the following mechanisms favours self-pollination? - Pomology, Plantation & Spices, Olericulture, PHT, Floriculture & Breeding - ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 - Horticulture | Agrigyan

• Correct Answer: Cleistogamy.
• Cleistogamy refers to flowers that never open at all; pollination and fertilization take place inside the closed bud, ensuring $100\%$ obligate self-pollination (e.g., groundnut, barley, Commelina benghalensis underground flowers).
• Mechanisms favoring cross-pollination (Allogamy):

  - Protandry: Anthers mature before stigma (e.g., onion, carrot).
  - Protogyny: Stigma matures before anthers (e.g., pearl millet, fig).
  - Dioecy: Staminate and pistillate flowers on separate plants (e.g., papaya, date palm, pointed gourd).