In plants, continued self pollination results in

The correct answer is Option (2) → Inbreeding depression

Option (2) Inbreeding depression — Correct. Continued self-pollination (close inbreeding) brings harmful recessive genes together, so fertility and even productivity fall. This is called inbreeding depression.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 15-05-2025 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Pollination – “… Outbreeding Devices : Majority of flowering plants produce hermaphrodite flowers and pollen grains are likely to come in contact with the stigma of the same flower. Continued self-pollination result in inbreeding depression. Flowering plants have developed many devices to discourage selfpollination and to encourage cross-pollination.”