Why do some lemons have pips and others

The presence or absence of pips in lemons, also known as seeds, depends on several factors, including the type of lemon tree and pollination conditions. Here are the main reasons why some lemons have pips while others don't:

1. Parthenocarpy: Some lemon varieties are parthenocarpic, which means they can produce fruit without pollination. These lemons develop from unfertilized flowers and are typically seedless or have fewer pips. Parthenocarpic lemons are common in commercial cultivation, as they provide consistent fruit production and are preferred for their lack of seeds.

2. Cross-Pollination: When lemon flowers are pollinated by pollen from another lemon tree, fertilization occurs, resulting in the formation of seeds. Cross-pollination can lead to lemons with pips. The number of pips in a lemon can vary depending on the extent of pollination and the viability of the pollen.

3. Self-Pollination: In some cases, lemon flowers may self-pollinate, meaning the pollen from the same flower fertilizes the stigma. Self-pollination can also lead to pip formation in lemons, although it may result in fewer pips compared to cross-pollination.

4. Genetic Factors: The genetics of the lemon tree can influence the likelihood of pip formation. Some lemon varieties are more prone to producing pips than others, regardless of pollination conditions. Factors such as the specific rootstock used for grafting and genetic mutations can contribute to the presence or absence of pips.

5. Environmental Conditions: Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and water availability can indirectly affect pip formation in lemons. Stressful conditions or fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels can influence the success of pollination and fertilization, which may impact the number of pips in the fruit.

It's worth noting that while some lemons may be naturally seedless or have few pips, some commercial lemon varieties may undergo seedless cultivation techniques to ensure consistent production of pip-free lemons. These techniques often involve controlled pollination and the selection of parthenocarpic lemon varieties.