How do fruits develop without pollination or fertilization in parthenocarpy?

Parthenocarpy is the development of a fruit without fertilization, resulting in seedless produce. This process occurs through several mechanisms:1

• Natural Stimuli: In some plants, such as bananas, cucumbers, and certain grapes, pollination alone—even without subsequent fertilization—is sufficient to trigger the enlargement of the pistil into a fruit.2
• Artificial Induction: Parthenocarpy can be induced in non-parthenocarpic varieties or out-of-season crops using dead or altered pollen, or pollen from a different plant species.1
• Hormonal Application: The application of synthetic growth substances or natural hormones can stimulate fruit development. Effective substances include auxins (such as indoleacetic acid or naphthaleneacetic acid) and gibberellins, which are commonly used to produce seedless grapes and prevent premature fruit drop.23

These methods bypass the traditional reproductive requirement of fertilization, allowing the plant to form the fleshy, edible portions of the fruit while remaining seedless.12