Polyembryony

Presence of more than one embryo within a single seed is called polyembryony.

• Polyembryony is the formation of more than one embryo in a single seed, leading to multiple seedlings.
• It was first observed by Leeuwenhoek in Citrus (orange) seeds.
• Polyembryony can occur due to development from the zygote or other tissues like the nucellus and integuments.
• Types include true polyembryony (embryos in the same embryo sac) and false polyembryony (embryos in different embryo sacs).
• Cleavage polyembryony occurs when the zygote splits into many parts, while adventive polyembryony occurs from nucellus or integument cells.
• It is important in horticulture and increases chances of survival by producing multiple seedlings.