To produce a seed or fruit, pollen must move from the anther to a receptive stigma. When the proper compatible pollen adheres to the stigma, it germinates and a pollen tube grows through the stigma and the style to the ovary. Now a seed is produced. Cross pollinated flowers must have transfer of pollen from one flower to the next. Male sterility has been found in many crops and plant breeders exploit this characteristic to develop hybrids which are then dependent on cross pollination.
Most flowers secrete nectar , a sugary, scented liquid to help attract insects to the flower.
This is usually offered deep within the flower near the base where petals originate from around the ovary. In seeking nectar or gathering pollen , the insect accidentally brushes against anthers so that pollen grains are transferred to the stigma. Pollination is not a deliberate behavior but an accidental one performed by the insect as they collect food. The honey bee is well adapted for pollination . Like other bees, their sense of smell, eyes, mouthparts, and numerous branched body hairs are ideally suited for finding food sources, sipping nectar, and collecting and distributing pollen.