Useampisikiöisiä

Useampisikiöisiä refers to a condition in plants where a single ovule contains multiple embryos. This phenomenon, also known as polyembryony, can occur naturally or be induced through various methods. In natural polyembryony, multiple embryos develop from a single zygote (monozygotic polyembryony) or from different structures within the ovule, such as the synergids or antipodal cells (polyembryonic polyembryony).

This can lead to the production of multiple seedlings from a single seed. For instance, citrus fruits are well-known for exhibiting polyembryony, often resulting in several nucellar embryos alongside the zygotic embryo. This characteristic is agriculturally significant as nucellar embryos are generally true to the parent variety, making them valuable for vegetative propagation and producing disease-free planting material.

Induced polyembryony can be achieved through techniques like embryo rescue or by manipulating plant hormones. While it can be a useful tool for plant breeders and horticulturists, understanding the underlying genetic and physiological mechanisms of useampisikiöisiä is crucial for its effective application in crop improvement and propagation. The genetic basis for polyembryony can vary between species and even within different genotypes of the same species. Further research continues to explore the developmental pathways and genetic controls governing this fascinating reproductive strategy.