Abstract
Pollination and seed-setting in Impatiens balsamina (a long-day variety, originated from the Frankfurt Botanical Garden) were studied. Flowers were isolated from insect pollinators, or were openly pollinated. Plants of both groups set seeds, but open pollinated had 10% more seeds. Microscopic analysis showed that flowers could be selfpollinated before anthesis. The pollen tubes grew to the ovary and fertilized the ovules. After selfing, the normal endosperm and embryo developed. The viability of seeds was similar to that after crosspollination.
Keywords
Impatiens balsamina; selfcompatibility; pollination; fertilization; pollen tube