Parthenocarpy: Development of fruits without fertilization of the ovary

Parthenocarpy is the development of fruits without the process of fertilization of the ovary. It is a form of asexual reproduction in plants, where seeds are not formed and the fruit develops without the presence of viable pollen or fertilization. The correct answer to the given question is option 'B' - parthenocarpy.

Explanation of the options:
Let's understand the meaning of each option to see why option 'B' is the correct answer:

a) Parthenogenesis: Parthenogenesis refers to the development of an organism from an unfertilized egg. It is a type of reproduction in which offspring are produced without the involvement of sperm. It is not related to the development of fruits without fertilization.

b) Parthenocarpy: Parthenocarpy is the correct answer. It refers to the development of fruits without fertilization of the ovary. In this process, the fruit develops without the need for pollination or fertilization. The ovary starts growing and developing into a fruit directly, without the formation of seeds.

c) Agamospermy: Agamospermy is a type of asexual reproduction in plants where seeds are formed without fertilization. It involves the development of embryos from unfertilized ovules. While it is related to seed formation, it is not directly related to the development of fruits without fertilization.

d) Apomixis: Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction in plants where seeds are formed without fertilization. It involves the production of embryos from the diploid cells of the ovule without the fusion of male and female gametes. Similar to agamospermy, it is related to seed formation rather than the development of fruits without fertilization.

Conclusion:
Parthenocarpy is the correct term to describe the development of fruits without the process of fertilization of the ovary. It is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where fruits develop without the presence of viable pollen or fertilization.