Question

What is polyembryony and how can it be commercially exploited?

Answer 1

Definition

Polyembryony refers to the development of more than one embryo from a single seed. It is observed in mango and citrus fruits.

Advantages

Polyembryony can be commercially exploited in plant breeding and horticulture in the following ways :-

• Parent plants with desired genetic characteristics (good yield, increased disease and drought resistance) can be chosen. The plant breeder therefore can propagate plants with robust genetic compositions as the embryo formed from the plant will be clones of the parent plant.
• Since many embryos are present, the probability of viable seedlings increases. Therefore the plant breeder is assured of the next generation, reducing the cost of production.