Number of female flowers are increased in cucumber due to :

Options

A. Feminising effect of auxin
B. Feminising effect of cytokinin
C. Feminising effect of ethylene
D. Feminising effect of gibberellins

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the factor that increases the number of female flowers in cucumber plants.

2. **Identifying the Relevant Hormone**: In plants, hormones play a crucial role in regulating growth and development. One such hormone is ethylene, which is known to influence flower development.

3. **Function of Ethylene**: Ethylene is a gaseous hormone that has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on plants. In the case of cucumber plants, ethylene specifically has a feminizing effect, which means it promotes the development of female flowers.

4. **Mechanism of Action**: Ethylene can be applied commercially in the form of a compound called ethyphon. When ethyphon is injected into the stem of the cucumber plant, it releases ethylene gas gradually. This release of ethylene gas leads to an increase in the number of female flowers.

5. **Outcome of Increased Female Flowers**: More female flowers result in a higher yield of fruits, as each female flower can develop into a fruit if pollinated.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the number of female flowers in cucumber is increased due to the action of the hormone ethylene.

**Final Answer**: The number of female flowers in cucumber is increased due to the hormone ethylene.

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