The genetic tapestry governing flower development in plants is intricate, with MADS-box transcription factors identified as the primary architects of floral morphology. While model species have been extensively studied, the genetic nuances in crops like tomatoes are still largely uncharted.
Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for unraveling the complexities of flower development and male sterility in tomatoes. Scientists at the Universidad de AlmerÃa have achieved a notable milestone in botanical research with their examination of tomato flower development, as detailed in a study published in Horticulture Research on January 16, 2024.
The research zeroes in on the TOMATO MADS-BOX 6 (TM6) gene and its influential role in shaping the floral landscape of tomatoes.
The research team characterized a tomato mutant, dubbed succulent stamens 2 (sus2), which presented pronounced deviations in floral development. The mutants exhibited diminished petal size and stamens that morphed into carpel-like structures, culminating in male sterility due to a lack of viable pollen.
Read more at phys.org