Question

In Ficus religiosa (peepal), the pollination is affected by

• A. Water
• B. Insects
• C. Birds
• D. Air

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

• Blastophaga quadriceps, the legitimate pollinator of Ficus religiosa, possesses two thoracic pockets in which pollen is stored for subsequent introduction into the young figs.
• Pocket loading takes place in the nearly ripe fig at the male phase. Impregnated female wasps leave the fig via narrow channels bored by the males.
• Upon entering young receptive figs, the female wasps begin oviposition, during which pocket emptying and pollination takes place.