Question

Parthenocarpic tomato fruits can be produced by?

• A. Treating the plants with phenylmercuric acetate
• B. Removing androecium of flowers before pollen grains are released
• C. Treating the plants with low concentration of gibberellic acid and auxins
• D. Raising the plants from vernalized seeds

Answer 1

The correct option is C Treating the plants with low concentration of gibberellic acid and auxins

Parthenocarpy is a trait where fruit set and growth are triggered without pollination and fertilization. In the tomato (Lycopersicum esculatum), this trait is considered attractive as it reduces the cost and labor requirements for fruit setting. Gibberellins are growth hormones that stimulate cell elongation and cause plants to grow taller. Gibberellins also have a role in other plant processes, such as stem elongation, germination, flowering, and fruit ripening. Auxins promote stem elongation, inhibit growth of lateral buds (maintains apical dominance). They are produced in the stem, buds, and root tips. Hence treating the plants with low concentration of gibberellic acid and auxins will help produce parthenocarpic tomato fruits.

So the correct option is 'treating plants with low concentration of gibberellic acid and auxins'.