Question

What is the difference between parthenocarpy , apomixis and polyembryony ?

Answer 1

• Parthenocarpy is the phenomenon of formation of fruits without fertilization. Here the ovary transforms into fruits. These fruits are seedless (example: banana). It can be induced by the growth regulators like auxins & gibberellins.

• Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction, where seeds are formed without fertilization. It is also known as agamospermy. Apomictic seeds may be formed in one or more of the following ways:

1. A diploid egg cell may develop into an embryo without fertilization
2. Cells of the nucellus surrounding the embryo sac may develop into embryos and become pushed into the embryo sac.

• Polyembryony is a phenomenon where two or more embryos develop from a single fertilised egg. e.g. Citrus Plants.