Question

Define Parthenocarpy and give one example of a fruit that develops this way.

Hint:

Parthenocarpy = “Fruit without fertilization”

• Seedless fruit
• Banana is the classic example
• Often induced by auxins or gibberellins

Answer 1

Concept: Parthenocarpy is a biological phenomenon related to fruit development without fertilization.
Definition: Parthenocarpy refers to the development of fruit without fertilization of the ovule. As a result, the fruit formed is usually seedless.
Key Features:

• No fertilization occurs
• Ovary develops into fruit directly
• Produces seedless fruits

Example:

• Banana (common natural example)
• Seedless grapes (commercial example)

Importance:

• Improves fruit quality
• Preferred in commercial horticulture
• Can be induced artificially using plant hormones