Parthenocarpy: Definition, Types, Benefits and Examples

Parthenocarpy is a process through which fruits are produced without fertilization of ovules. The fruits that develop by the process of parthenocarpy are called Parthenocarpic fruits. This takes place when there is absence of fertilization of plants, growth of embryo & pollination.

• Fritz Noll in 1902 is credited with the discovery of parthenocarpic fruits. 
• It is a natural or artificially produced phenomenon seen in some plants.
• The fruits developing through parthenocarpy are also called seedless or virgin fruits.
• In plants, a hormone named as auxin induces parthenocarpy. 

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What is Parthenocarpy? 

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The word “Parthenocarpic fruit” in botany stands for “virgin fruit”. During the cultivation, the parthenocarpy is to be introduced along with other plant hormones including the acid called gibberellic acid. Thus, fruits devolping naturally or artificially without fertilization through a process called parthenocarpy. 

Parthenocarpic fruits are usually seedless and can be found in a wide variety of plants, including bananas, pineapples, cucumbers, and some grape and orange varieties.

• In agriculture, parthenocarpy is useful because it produces seedless fruits that consumers usually prefer.
• This type of process is applicable to all types of crops from all varieties of cucumber to squash & a lot more.
• Additionally, it guarantees fruit production even in situations where pollination is not possible.
• The best example fruit of parthenocarpy in Banana.

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Types of Parthenocarpy

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The Parthenocarpy has been classified into three types.

1. Stimulative parthenocarpy,
2.  Vegetative parthenocarpy
3.  Stenospermocarpy 

Stimulative parthenocarpy

This takes place without pollination, however there will always be external simulators. And this can be ovipositor of the wasp inserted in the flower ovary or the plant application growth regulates into the unisexual flowers which has to be observed inside the syconium. The syconium is known to be unisexual flower with flask – shaped structure. 

Vegetative parthenocarpy

This type of parthenocarpy takes place without the pollination which results in the production of no seed within the seeds. It can also be seen in the figs & pears as to name a few. 

Stenospermocarpy

This type of parthenocarpy is a very unique type where the fertilization would take place in and the seed begins to be developed but it will eventually abort. There will be the seed trace that can be observed within the fruit & it is to be outlined where the seed development is to be terminated.

• This parthenocarpy would be seen in the watermelons & seedless grapes.
• Seedless fruits like breeders would take advantage of the underdeveloped seeds before they should be aborted.
• These would be seen as partially developed seeds to be removed from the fruits & grown into the plants using the techniques like tissue culture.

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Examples of Parthenocarpic Fruits

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All seedless fruits are classified under parthenocarpic fruits. Some of the most common fruits that develop without fertilization of the ovule are banana, pineapple, grapes, seedless watermelon, etc. Fruits that develop through the process of parthenocarpy are normal fruits but lack endosperm and seeds.

Examples of Parthenocarpic Fruits

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Benefits of Parthenocarpy

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Here are some of the benefits of the parthenocarpy mentioned below:

1. It reduces the chemical usage of pesticide to prevent the attacks from the harmful insects.
2. With the use of pesticides it helps in the increase of crop yield.
3. It is producing the fleshy fruits & seedless.
4. For the production of larger fruits, the natural plant growth regulators are to be used.
5. And it is reducing the cost of Cultivation.

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Things to Remember

• Parthenocarpy is the process of developing fruit without fertilization.
• Parthenocarpic fruits examples includes banana and pineapple.
• The first process for fruit production by parthenocarpy was observed to be in the year 1902.
• Stimulative parthenocarpy, vegetative parthenocarpy, and  stenospermocarpy are three important types of parthenocarpy.