THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FRUIT 537 



tion. Parthenocarpic fruits are usually seedless, though seeds may de- 

 velop in them parthenogenetically. Some seedlessness is due to embryo 

 abortion after fertilization and therefore is not associated with partheno- 

 carpy. Fruits which the botanist classifies as accessory are somewhat 

 more inclined to parthenocarpic development than those consisting of 

 ovarian tissues only. Parthenocarpy is no insurance, however, against 

 loss of crop from excessive dropping of blossoms under certain condi- 

 tions. In general, seedlessness is valuable from the commercial stand- 

 point. In most instances there is a distinct correlation between the 

 formation of seeds and the development of the fleshy tissues of the fruit — 

 the greater the seed number, the larger the fruit. Other limiting factors, 

 however, may destroy this correlation. Between seed-containing and 

 seedless fruits of the same varieties, there are often distinct differences 

 in form, composition and ripening period. However, there is no good 

 evidence that the specific qualities or characteristics of the pollen variety 

 are in any way stamped upon the resulting fruit. 



