Fertilization

The process whereby male and female gametes unite.

The joining of the male gamete (sperm) and the female gamete (egg).

The union of two gametes from opposite sexes to form a zygote. Typically, each gamete contains a haploid set of chromosomes. Hence the zygotic nucleus contains a diploid set of chromosome s. Several categories can be distinguished: 1. Self-fertilization (selfing): fusion of male and female gametes from the same individual. 2. Cross-fertilization (crossing): fusion of male and female gametes from different individuals. 3. Double fertilization; restricted to flowering plants, in which the fusion of one male gamete with the ovum occurs at about the same time as the second male gamete nucleus fuses with the female polar nuclei (or secondary nucleus) to form the endosperm.

A term used to denote efforts to enhance plant growth by increased application of nitrogen-based fertilizer or increased deposition of nitrates in precipitation.