“ Crops such as strawberries are largely self-pollinating ; however , they benefit from assistance to help release pollen inside the flower . ”
The small seed-like structures , called achenes , on the outer surface of strawberry fruit each arise from individual pollination .
PREVENTION OF POLLINATION
Seedless cucumbers are one common hydroponic crop that does not need , or benefit from , pollination . These have been bred to be pathenocarpic ; that is , they set fruit without any need for pollination . Also , most commercial varieties only have female flowers . Despite this , male flowers may occasionally pop up , particularly on very young plants . These should be removed . Male flowers can produce pollen , which can transfer to a female cucumber plant and set seed . Seed set in otherwise seedless cucumbers results in fruit deformities and is best prevented .
POLLINATION AND FRUIT SET PROBLEMS
The main pollination problem in many crops is a lack of fruit set . After flowering , the blooms may simply wither and drop , leaving a bare stem section . This can be caused by error in the pollination process , and sometimes even the most conscientious pollination efforts don ’ t result in fertilization and fruit set . Yes , pollen may be transferred , but if it is non-viable , fruit set will not occur . This is a
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