Flowering & Reproductive Development
Pollination, Fertilization & Seed Development
Pollination is pollen transfer to receptive floral tissue; successful fertilization is a later biological event that initiates seed development.
Key concepts
- Pollination and fertilization are not synonymous
- Pollen must remain viable and compatible
- Seed coat is maternal tissue while the embryo results from fertilization
- Seed development redirects resources within pollinated floral tissue
What to measure or observe
- Label pollinated branches and dates
- Prevent unintended pollen movement
- Track developing seeds over time
- Record parent identities accurately
Common mistakes
- Assuming pollen contact guarantees seed
- Handling pollen without contamination controls
- Losing parentage records
Visuals this lesson still needs
- Pollen pathway
- Fertilization diagram
- Seed cutaway development sequence
- Controlled-pollination workflow