Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Pollination mechanisms dictate whether a plant species primarily undergoes self-pollination (autogamy) or cross-pollination (allogamy).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Cleistogamy is a condition where flowers do not open at all, ensuring that pollination occurs strictly within the sealed bud.
This mechanism completely restricts foreign pollen, thereby guaranteeing self-pollination.
Conversely, protandry (male parts mature first), protogyny (female parts mature first), and dioecy (unisexual flowers on separate plants) are distinct mechanisms designed to promote cross-pollination.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, cleistogamy is the mechanism that favors self-pollination.