Introduction

Water is a critical element for plant growth and development. It helps in the absorption of nutrients from the soil and is also essential for the process of fertilization. In this article, we will explore the plants that require water for fertilization and how water aids in this process.

Water and Fertilization

Water plays an important role in plant reproduction. For fertilization to occur in plants, the pollen from the male part of the flower needs to reach the stigma on the female part of the flower. This process can be facilitated by water.

In some plants, water is required to disperse the pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part. The water helps in the transport of pollen grains to the stigma by creating a fluid medium through which pollen can move. This process is known as hydrophily and is particularly common in aquatic plants such as water lilies and pondweeds.

In other plants, water is required to maintain the turgidity of the cells in the flower. This is important as it allows the cells to open and close the flower as needed, thus facilitating pollination. Without enough water, the cells can become flaccid, and the flower may not open or close properly, reducing the chances of successful fertilization.

Plants that Depend on Water for Fertilization

Water-dependent plants fall into two main categories: those that grow in water and those that grow on land but rely on water for pollination.

Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotus, and pondweeds grow in or near water bodies and rely on water for fertilization. Because they are fully submerged in water, the pollen from the male flowers needs to float on the water surface to reach the female flowers. The pollen grains have a waxy coating that allows them to float, and the water provides a means of transportation to the stigma on the female flowers.

Land Plants

Some land plants also require water for pollination. The flowers of these plants produce a nectar that attracts insects and other animals, which then pick up pollen grains and transport them to other flowers. However, these plants also require enough water to maintain their flower cells' turgidity, allowing for proper opening and closing of the flower.

Examples of land plants that require water for pollination include corn, rice, wheat, and other cereal crops. The flowers of these plants are wind-pollinated, and the wind carries the pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. However, to facilitate the spread of pollen, the plants require enough water to keep the flowers open and receptive to the wind-blown pollen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, many plants depend on water for fertilization. This is particularly true for aquatic plants, which rely on water for the transport of pollen from male to female flowers. On the other hand, some land plants require water to maintain turgidity in their flower cells, which facilitates proper opening and closing of the flower, allowing for successful pollination. Understanding the role of water in plant reproduction is fundamental in plant biology, plant breeding, agriculture, and environmental science.