ICSE Class 9 Answered

Advantages of cross pollination:

The offspring are healthier. The seeds are produced in larger number and are more viable. The seeds develop and germinate properly and grow into better plants. Results in new varieties because cross-pollination can be carried out between two different varieties of the same species or even two species.

Disadvantages of cross pollination:

It is not always certain as a pollinating agent is always required, and it may or may not be available at the suitable time. Pollen grains have to be produced in abundance to ensure chances of pollination. This results in lot of wastage of pollen. It is uneconomical for plants as they have to produce flowers that are large, perfumed and with nectar to attract insects.