This section covers possible reasons. One of the most common explanations is lack of proper pollination. Lack of pollination can occur if cold, rainy weather occurs when a plant is in full bloom. Such weather will keep bees from working, thus reducing or preventing pollination and fruit-set. A frost while a plant is in flower will kill the flowers and prevent fruit-set.
Some plants are dioecious.
This means all the flowers on a plant are either male or female. Both a male and a female plant must be present and cross-pollination must occur for the female to produce fruit. Examples of dioecious plants are holly, bittersweet and yew. This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.