Question:

Polyembryony is common in citrus except
A. Pumelo
B. Tahiti lime
C. Kinnow
D. Sweet orange
E. Acid lime
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Polyembryony = Clonal seed.
Monoembryony = Hybrid seed.
Pumelo is the "Father of Citrus" and is always monoembryonic.
  • A, B and D only
  • A and B only
  • C and E only
  • A, B and C only
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Polyembryony is the phenomenon where a single seed contains more than one embryo. In Citrus, this occurs when the nucellar cells (maternal tissue) surrounding the embryo sac develop into asexual embryos. These "nucellar embryos" are clones of the mother plant.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Most Citrus species are highly polyembryonic (e.g., Acid lime, Sweet orange, Mandarins). This is horticulturally useful because seeds can produce clonal, disease-free rootstocks that are genetically identical to the parent.
However, some species and specific cultivars are strictly monoembryonic, meaning they produce only one embryo per seed, which is the result of sexual fertilization (zygotic).
A. Pumelo (Citrus grandis): This is a classic example of a monoembryonic Citrus species. It is a primitive species and is used extensively in breeding because its seedlings are always zygotic (hybrids).
B. Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia): This lime is generally seedless because it is triploid. However, if seeds are occasionally formed, they are monoembryonic.
C. Kinnow: This is a hybrid (King x Willow Leaf). While most mandarins are polyembryonic, the parental genetics can vary, but in the context of this "common except" question, it falls under the standard polyembryonic Citrus group.
D. Sweet Orange and E. Acid Lime: These are the most prominent examples of highly polyembryonic Citrus, producing many nucellar embryos per seed.
Therefore, Pumelo and Tahiti lime are the exceptions to the "common" polyembryony rule in Citrus.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The monoembryonic (non-polyembryonic) exceptions are A and B.
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