Polyembryony was first discovered by

Options

A. Rosenberg
B. Hofmeister
C. Leeuwenhoek
D. Guha

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Polyembryony**:
- Polyembryony refers to the phenomenon where more than one embryo develops from a single fertilized egg or within a single seed. This is an important concept in plant reproduction.

2. **Identifying Examples**:
- Polyembryony is commonly observed in certain plants, particularly in citrus fruits and mangoes. Recognizing these examples helps in understanding the occurrence of polyembryony in nature.

3. **Historical Discovery**:
- The question asks about the first scientist to discover polyembryony. This discovery was made by Anton von Leeuwenhoek in 1917 when he studied the seeds of citrus plants.

4. **Evaluating Other Options**:
- The other scientists mentioned in the question are Hofmeister, Rosenberg, and Guha.
- Hofmeister is known for his work on microspore tetrads and the organization of the embryo sac.
- Rosenberg's contributions do not relate to polyembryony.
- Guha and Maheshwari are associated with embryology but not specifically with the discovery of polyembryony.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the historical context and the contributions of the scientists, the correct answer to the question is Anton von Leeuwenhoek.

**Final Answer**: Anton von Leeuwenhoek

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