How Do People Grow Seedless Fruits & Vegetables?

Even tomatoes can be grown seed-free.

Most seedless fruits and vegetables are propagated by way of cuttings from a parent plant that exhibits desired attributes. Certain plants naturally develop fruit or vegetables without fertilization; others are forced by human intervention.

Significance

Bananas are one of the most common seedless fruits grown from clones.

Ordinarily, plants produce fruits or vegetables sexually when their egg cells are fertilized by the sperm cells in pollen. In some species, this process fails, and the fruit or vegetable is produced asexually, creating a plant exactly like the parent. In other species, the chromosomes must be manipulated to result in asexual offspring, according to Scientific American's article "How Do Seedless Fruits Arise and How Are They Propagated?" For produce farmers, this means a homogeneous crop every time. Seedless produce sells for high prices because of its convenience.

Types

Seedless citrus fruits, especially oranges, are quite common and usually outnumber seeded citrus fruits in supermarkets. Other common examples of seedless produce include bananas, watermelon and cucumbers.

Potential

Plant breeders are constantly developing seedless versions of produce. In 2009, the first seedless tomato that was also palatable was created. Previously, seedless tomatoes tasted different from seeded varieties and had a poor texture. Over time, more types of produce will be grown seed-free, using cuttings instead.

References

• Scientific American; "How Do Seedless Fruits Arise...?" Benjamin Burr, et al.; October 2, 2000
• Fine Gardening; "Propagate Your Shrubs From Softwood Cuttings"; Susan Grillo
• Planet Natural: Plant Cloning Tips
• Tomato Casual: The World's First Tasty Seedless Tomato; Vanessa Richins; Sept. 2008