Induction of Multilocular Ovary in Tomato By Gibberellic Acid1

Abstract

Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) applied to pre-floral tomato plants stimulated a significant increase in the number of ‘carpels’ and locules per ovary. In ‘Vantage’ the number of locules was doubled by this treatment whereas in ‘Viceroy’ a 30% increase was obtained. The styles of treated flowers were thicker and contained more vascular bundles than did those of untreated flowers. Ovary size of treated flowers at anthesis was also increased by this treatment. The significance of chemical manipulation of locule number in tomato ovaries and the possible mode of action of GA 3 in this system is discussed.