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Why Limes Are Seedless: The Science of Parthenocarpy

Persian lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is parthenocarpic—fruit develops without fertilization. Same trait in seedless watermelon, grapes, banana, 'Brown Turkey' fig, and 'Burfordi' holly. Tomatoes can be induced with hormone spray. Seedless watermelons need diploid/triploid pollenizers; seedless grapes abort embryos early. Both are propagated vegetatively, not from seed.

About Gardening: Germinating Lime Seeds: Simulating Dormancy; Growing Seedless Cucumbers: Hybrid Seeds Required; How to Germinate Lime Seeds from Store-Bought Fruit; Seedless Red Maples: Why Your Tree Lacks Helicopters; Saving Pumpkin Seeds: Dry, Store, and Accept Surprises; Citron: The Rock-Hard Watermelon Relative Used for Preserves; Better Erosion Control Than Crabgrass; Did Too Much Lime Hurt Your Centipede Lawn? Probably Not—Here's Why; Why Limes Are Seedless: Parthenocarpy in Citrus and Other Fruits; Key Lime (Citrus aurantifolia): The Classic Pie Citrus

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