Why do some lemons have seeds and others

Lemons, like many other citrus fruits, exhibit a phenomenon called apomixis, where seeds develop without the fertilization of ovules. This means that the seeds found in some lemons are essentially clones of the parent tree.

The presence or absence of seeds in lemons can be influenced by several factors, including:

Variety: Certain varieties of lemons are known to be more likely to produce seeds, while others are usually seedless. For example, the Lisbon and Eureka varieties are commonly seedless, while the Meyer lemon often has seeds.

Pollination: In rare cases, cross-pollination between different citrus varieties or exposure to external pollen can lead to the development of seeds in lemons that are typically seedless.

Environmental conditions: Environmental factors, such as temperature, light, and nutrient availability, can also affect seed development in lemons. For instance, extreme heat or drought stress may cause a lemon tree to produce more seeded fruits.

Age of the tree: The age of the lemon tree can influence seed development. Younger trees tend to produce fewer seeded fruits compared to older, mature trees.

It's worth noting that while some lemons may be seedless, it doesn't necessarily guarantee their origin through genetic modification. Seedless citrus varieties can occur naturally due to specific genetic mutations or through selective breeding and propagation methods without involving genetic engineering.