Abstract
Parthenocarpy is considered one of the most effective strategies for fruit production under unfavorable environmental conditions that hinder pollination and fertilization. Extreme temperatures, whether excessively low or high, negatively affect pollen production and viability, often requiring external intervention for successful fruit set. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of parthenocarpy on various vegetable crops cultivated in Afghanistan. Recent studies have compared the performance of parthenocarpic vegetable fruits with their pollinated counterparts. Findings indicate that key phytohormones, including gibberellins, cytokinins, and auxins, play a crucial role in fruit development in the absence of pollination. In conclusion, parthenocarpy in fruit vegetables leads to the production of seedless fruits and pods, enhances fruit set, increases yield, improves fruit quality, increases total soluble solids, extends shelf life, ensures uniformity, and can result in smaller, lighter fruits while increasing the number of fruits per plant. Additionally, in certain fruit vegetables, parthenocarpy can affect fruit shape, flavor, and β-carotene metabolism during storage. To optimize productivity and quality, it is recommended to use appropriate methods and phytohormones, depending on the available infrastructure.