MadSci Network: Botany |
Heather,
Seedless orange blossoms do possess ovules and these are fertilized, starting all the hormonal responses necessary for fruit formation. Then fertilized seeds are reabsorbed at a microscopic stage so that you have a seedless fruit. Scientist are now doing work to knock out the gene for seed production in other citrus fruits as well as in non-citrus species. You can find alot of information by searching the Internet using queries such as seedless oranges, or seedless fruit. There are many variations to the explanation given above. Some citrus fruits start to develop without fertilization, but the fruit often fails to develop to a mature fruit. You can induce flowers to produce fruits without fertilization by treating them with gibberellic acid. Hope this is off some help.
Cyndy Galloway
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Botany.