Q.What is polyembryony? How can it be commercially exploited?

Step 1. Polyembryony is defined as the occurrence of more than one embryo within a single seed, first reported in oranges by Anton van Leeuwenhoek in 1719.

Step 2. It can arise in several ways: cleavage of a single zygotic embryo (Orchids), formation of an embryo from a non-egg embryo-sac cell such as a synergid or antipodal cell (Aristolochia, Ulmus), development of more than one embryo sac in an ovule (Casuarina), or activation of sporophytic nucellus/integument cells (Citrus, Syzygium).

Step 3. Commercial exploitation centres on this last, nucellar route in Citrus: seedlings raised from the nucellus-derived embryos are genetically identical to the parent tree, giving orchardists a reliable, uniform way to propagate desirable Citrus varieties. …

Define polyembryony, then connect it to the chapter's stated practical applications - unifo …

• Describing polyembryony only as a biological curiosity without mentioning its real commer …