What is parthenocarpy?

The term parthenocarpy originates from the Greek words ‘parthenos’ meaning virgin and ‘karpos’ meaning fruit. It refers to the production and development of seedless fruits. It has become important because: 1. Seeds are irritants when eating fruits. 2. Processing fruits requires removal of seeds; hence seedless fruits are desired. Parthenocarpy is of two types. Vegetative parthenocarpy: when seedless fruits develop even without stimulus of pollination, e.g. pear. Stimulative parthenocarpy is when pollination is required without the actual process of fertilisation, e.g. grapes.