Scientists Evaluates Favorable Mutations on Tomato

The scientists have recently evaluated changes caused by mutation in fruits and vegetables. The scientists found natural mutations in two important tomato genes that were selected for different purposes in breeding. 

As per the researchers one of the tomatoes’ genes is ancient, dating back to when Native Americans in South. Additionally, Central America has domesticated the tomato plant more than 8,000 years ago. The researchers found that the particular gene causes the green leafy "cap" on top of tomato fruits to grow large.

The other gene is known as Jointless2 is 20th-century mutant. This changed gene results in a smoother stem connected to the fruit and a firmer attachment to the plant.

Jointless2 is particularly sought after because it makes tomatoes easier to harvest. However, the presence of both mutations in one plant causes the branches a bit like a broom. Mostly we think, more branches on each inflorescence means more flowers, which would mean more fruits. However, the scientists suggested that more branches and flowers do not always translate to more fruits.

To make those fruits, the plant has to pump a lot of resources into the young fruits as they start to grow. However, plant can't handle that imbalance of having too many fruits, so the fertility is quite low, said the scientists. The researchers also added that highly branched tomato plants end up producing fewer tomatoes.

Content: www.sciencedaily.com