The Fruit

Abstract

The early stages of fruit development often depend critically on environmental factors and the crop will fail unless a good set is obtained. Inadequate pollination is a frequent cause of poor crop setting; low temperatures may prevent pollen tube growth or cause insufficient insect activity to ensure pollen transfer. Fruit-setting compounds can however ensure the development of fruit in some species, notably tomatoes, even when low temperatures would preclude natural setting. Pollination is nevertheless the usual ‘trigger’ for the series of physiological processes that culminate in the formation of fruits.