Open pollination 1274964 203959392 2008-04-07T11:11:02Z Fusionmix 1893979 that may have been a typo '''Open pollination''' is [[pollination]] by [[Insect#Roles_in_the_environment_and_human_society|insects]], [[Bird#Ecology|birds]], [[wind]], or other [[nature|natural]] mechanisms. The [[seed]]s of open-pollinated [[plant]]s will produce new [[generation]]s of those plants; however, because breeding is uncontrolled and the pollen (male parent) source is unknown, open pollination results in plants that vary widely in [[genetics|genetic]] traits. Open pollination increases [[biodiversity]] but results in some plants less suitable for their environment or intended human use. This is in contrast with hand pollination, which is controlled so that all seeds of a crop carry the same traits. Another type, hybrid pollination, increases suitability, especially through [[heterosis]], but decreases biodiversity. Some hybrid strains are [[inbreeding|inbred]] and selected for desired traits until a strain that breeds true by open pollination can be developed. One of the bigger challenges in maintaining a strain by open pollination is avoiding introduction of pollination by other strains. Based on how broadly the pollen for the plant tends to [[biological dispersal|disperse]], it can be controlled to varying degrees by [[greenhouse]]s, tall wall enclosures, or field isolation. Popular examples of plants produced by open pollination include the [[heirloom tomato]]. ==References== {{cite web |url= http://www.garden.org/subchannels/care/seeds?q=show&id=293 |title= Hybrid or Open Pollinated |accessdate= 2008-03-17 |author= Ben Watson |work= Gardening Articles: Care :: Seeds & Propagation |publisher= National Gardening Association |pages= pp 1-6}} [[Category:Pollination]] {{botany-stub}}