Self-pollinated crops are those in which the pollen from the male reproductive organ of the plant fertilizes the female reproductive organ of the same plant, or of another plant that is genetically identical. Examples of self-pollinated crops include beans, peas, and wheat.
Cross-pollinated crops are those in which the pollen from the male reproductive organ of one plant fertilizes the female reproductive organ of another plant that is genetically different. Examples of cross-pollinated crops include corn, cotton, and most fruit trees.
Vegetatively propagated crops are those in which new plants are grown from a piece of the parent plant, rather than from seeds. This can be done by rooting cuttings, layering, or dividing the root system. Examples of vegetatively propagated crops include fruit trees, berries, and some ornamentals.
It is important to understand the breeding methods of different crops in order to make informed decisions about crop selection and management. Self-pollinated crops are generally easier to breed and maintain, while cross-pollinated crops require more care to ensure genetic diversity and to prevent inbreeding. Vegetatively propagated crops can be propagated true-to-type, but they can also be prone to disease problems, and may not be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions as well as seed-propagated crops.