The simple truth behind pollination

Pollination is an essential ecological function apart from being a fascinating historic practice. The process of pollination happens with every growing season to create an ecological balance. There is complete interdependence of life on the evolution of plant-pollinator relationships. In simple terms, pollination is how plants spread and combine their genetic materials to create new generations of plants. It is imperative for the production of fruit and seed crops that forms the very basis of the food system. 

How pollination works 
Flower pollination is one of the most important events in the life cycle of many flowering plants. It can be defined as the transfer of pollen grains (male) from the anther of a flower to the stigma (female) resulting in the fertilization of seeds under the right germination conditions. The transfer of pollen grains is aided by abiotic elements such as wind and water. Animal pollinators seek benefits such as nectar, warmth, floral perfumes, and oils through this process. It, therefore, becomes a mutually beneficial relationship for plant and animal pollinators.  

Why is pollination important? 
Successful pollination allows plants to produce well-germinated seeds required for producing future generations of plants to provide food for pollinators and other wildlife creatures. Primary pollinators of all flowering plants including bees, flies, butterflies, flies, moths, and other insects become an indispensable natural resource for daily life. Pollination is important for a strong and healthy ecosystem. The different stages of pollination are specific to the success of pollination which can take up to a year of effort. Here’s how continuous blooming seasons are significant in the process of pollination: 

Spring: Bulbs and blooming plants of the spring season provide food for early plant pollinators after migration. The spring-blooming trees are most visited during this time. 

Summer: Pollinators reach peak populations and the summer season provides them with the maximum time to look for nectar. 

Autumn: Late-blooming plants provide the fuel needed before hibernation or migration to the south for pollinators like hummingbirds and monarchs. 

Winter: Even in the dried-out winter season with no activity otherwise, pollinators continue their cycle. Some of the decaying plants shelter pollinators over winter. 

Interesting facts about pollination 

• Pollinators constitute a major portion of the total diversity of species on the planet. 
• At least thirty percent of 1500 cropping plants worldwide are dependent on pollination by bees and other insects. 
• Pollination leads to the creation of daily essentials like food, fibers, beverages, and medicine. 
• The most important pollinators, bees, may fly over 11 kph and beat their wings 190 times per second. 
• Pollinators enhance food quality. A well-pollinated plant yields a larger and more uniform fruit. 
• Backyard beehives help increase bee pollination.