Question

How are parthenocarpic fruits produced by some plants and apomictic seeds by some others? Explain when do farmers prefer using apomictic seeds.

Answer 1

Parthenocarpic fruits develop without fertilization, caused by absence of pollination, fertilization failure, or zygotic sterility, as seen in bananas, citrus, grapes, and pineapples. These fruits contain more edible parts. Apomictic seeds form through apomixis, a form of asexual reproduction without meiosis or fertilization, that maintains genetic uniformity. Plants like some Asteraceae and grasses produce apomictic seeds. Farmers prefer apomictic seeds to preserve desirable traits and genetic stability indefinitely, ensuring consistent crop quality and yield without genetic variation caused by sexual reproduction.