Question

What is parthenocarpy? Give one example.

Answer 1

Hint: The fruits such as banana, grapes, cucumber, pineapple etc are all termed as parthenocarpic fruits. Seedless watermelons can also be produced by the process of parthenocarpy. Parthenocarpy can be of three types namely stenospermocarpy, stimulative parthenocarpy and vegetative parthenocarpy.

Complete Explanation:
The production of fruits without the fertilization of an ovule is termed as parthenocarpy. Embryo, seeds and endosperm are absent in a parthenocarpic fruit. Parthenocarpic fruits can be produced by various methods including the use of gibberellic acid. When fruits are formed without fertilization, a large pulpy fruit is obtained. The types of parthenocarpy include stenospermocarpy, stimulative parthenocarpy and vegetative parthenocarpy.
1. Stenospermocarpy-
In this type of parthenocarpy, fertilization occurs which leads to the formation of a seed which is later aborted. A remnant of seed is seen inside the fruit. Watermelon and seedless grapes are examples of this type of parthenocarpy.
2. Stimulative parthenocarpy-
This occurs without pollination but an external stimulator such as ovipositor of a wasp is involved.
3. Vegetative parthenocarpy-
Vegetative parthenocarpy is seen in fruits that develop without fertilization. Figs and pear are examples of this type of parthenocarpy.
Example: seedless grapes, seedless watermelons, seedless bananas, figs, pears are all the examples of parthenocarpic fruits. All these fruits are produced without fertilization and hence no seed is present inside.

Note:
Parthenocarpic fruits are produced by horticulturists as they are easier to use for the production of jams, jellies, etc. The fleshy part of the fruit is increased by this process which makes the fruits better in taste. This process also helps in safeguarding the crops from pests as there is no need for pollinators and the crops can be covered and protected. However chemically induced parthenocarpy is considered harmful for the plants.