Will Tomato Plants Cross Pollinate?

Tomatoes are a popular fruit that can be grown in home gardens or on large commercial farms. One question that often arises is whether or not tomato plants will cross pollinate. The answer is yes, tomato plants can cross pollinate with other tomato plants, as well as with plants from other related species.

What is Cross Pollination?

Cross pollination occurs when the pollen from one plant is transferred to another plant, resulting in the fertilization of that plant’s ovules. This can occur naturally through the transfer of pollen by wind, insects, or other animals. In some cases, cross pollination can also be intentional, such as through the controlled breeding of plants for specific traits.

How Do Tomato Plants Cross Pollinate?

Tomato plants contain both male and female flower parts. The male part of the flower, called the anther, produces pollen, while the female part, called the stigma, receives the pollen. When a bee or other pollinator visits a tomato plant to collect nectar or pollen, some of the pollen will rub off onto their bodies. If the same bee then visits another tomato plant, the pollen can be transferred to the stigma, resulting in cross pollination.

Will Cross Pollination Affect the Fruit?

When tomato plants cross pollinate, it can affect the characteristics of the fruit. For example, if a large beefsteak tomato plant is cross pollinated with a small cherry tomato plant, the resulting fruit may be smaller than usual. Additionally, if a tomato plant is cross pollinated with a different species, the resulting fruit may have a different taste or texture than what is expected.

How to Prevent Cross Pollination in Tomato Plants

If you want to prevent cross pollination in your tomato plants, there are a few measures that you can take. One option is to plant your tomato plants far apart from each other, ideally at least 10 to 15 feet away. This can reduce the chance of bees or other pollinators transferring pollen between plants. Additionally, you can cover your tomato plants with garden fabric to prevent pollinators from accessing the plants, or you can manually pollinate the plants yourself using a small paintbrush or cotton swab.

In Conclusion

In summary, tomato plants can cross pollinate with other tomato plants and related species. This can affect the characteristics of the fruit, such as size and taste. If you want to prevent cross pollination, you can plant your tomato plants far apart, cover them with garden fabric, or manually pollinate them yourself.