Why Limes Are Seedless: Parthenocarpy in Citrus and Other Fruits

Fruit Without Pollination

Persian lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is parthenocarpic—flowers don't need pollen. Other examples: seedless watermelon, grapes, banana, 'Brown Turkey' fig, 'Burfordi' holly. Can induce in tomatoes with hormone spray—juicy fruit, no seeds.

Seedless watermelons: diploid + triploid plants; pollination without fertilization. Seedless grapes: 'Thompson Seedless' aborted embryos; propagated by cuttings.

Origin of Thompson Seedless Grape