The development of secondary lateral shoots generated from lateral shoots in tomato plants

This study was conducted to clarify the differences of morphogenesis that controls lateral bud growth in indeterminate- and determinate-type tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The cultivars 'Mini Carol', 'Frutica' and 'House Momotaro' were used as indeterminate cultivars that are appropriate for the fresh market; and the cultivars 'Suzukoma', 'Natsunokoma' and 'Shuho' were used as determinate cultivars that are appropriate for processing. The lengths of secondary lateral shoots generated from the lateral shoots of the second node above the first true leaf, and those appearing at the first and second nodes below the primary flower truss of main stem were measured three times every two weeks. In indeterminate-cultivar, the secondary lateral shoots elongated among one month, except for those at a few nodes. The upper secondary lateral shoots forming at the second node above the first true leaf and at the first node below the primary flower truss were longer than of the secondary lateral shoots appearing at lower nodes. In indeterminate cultivars, the longest secondary lateral shoots of the first node below the primary flower truss reached between 70 and 87 cm. However, in determinate cultivars, the longest secondary lateral shoots reached lengths of only from 24 to 35 cm. These results could be attributable to the growth of sympodial branches in both types of cultivars.