Factors Affecting Pollination and Fruit Set

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to pollination, fruit set, and factors affecting fruit production.

Pollination

A method where pollen from anthers is transferred to the stigma, necessary for fruit production.

Self-pollination

Transfer of pollen from anthers to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.

Cross-pollination

Transfer of pollen to the stigma of a different variety or different plant.

Dioecious plants

Plants that have male and female individuals, both required for fruit production.

Monoecious plants

Plants that have both male and female flowers, capable of producing fruits.

Dichogamy

Condition where male and female flower parts mature at different times.

Heterostyly

Condition where styles and stamens have different lengths, promoting cross-pollination.

Internal factors

Factors within the plant that affect fruit set, including evolution, genetic factors, and physiological factors.

Sterility

Inability of flowers to produce viable embryos due to incompatibility or immature reproductive structures.

Abortive flowers

Flowers that fail to develop due to various factors including embryonic abortion or production of sterile pollen.

External factors

Environmental influences on fruit set, including temperature, nutrition, and weather conditions.

Fruit drops

Natural or disease-related shedding of fruit, occurring in stages: early drop, second drop, and pre-harvest drop.

First drop

Early fruit drop occurring before fruit development due to lack of pollination or environmental factors.

Second drop

Also known as June drop; a fruit drop that occurs post-flowering due to competition for energy.

Pre-harvest fruit drop

Fruit drop occurring at or near maturity, often caused by heat, drought, or disease.

Factors to improve fruit set

Strategies including mixture of varieties, promoting pollinators, and proper irrigation and fertilization.