On the initiation of the inflorescence and floral organs in tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i>)

Abstract

In view of conflicting interpretations of the initiation of the tomato inflorescence and the development of flowers we present a reinvestigation of this topic. The inflorescence apex arises from the terminal vegetative apex directly and the new vegetative apex from the bud axillary to the first leaf below the transition apex. The first flower is produced from the tip of the inflorescence apex and the second flower arises laterally to this flower. Sepals arise independently in a helical sequence as do petals and stamens. Carpel primordia initiate individually and subsequently fuse.