Which Tomato Plants Have Vivipary Happen

Vivipary is a rare phenomenon that occurs in some tomato plants where seeds germinate while the fruit is still attached to the plant. This article explains the causes and conditions of vivipary and the tomato variants that are most likely to exhibit this trait.

What causes Vivipary?

Vivipary happens when the seed inside a tomato fruit develops prematurely resulting in germination while it is still attached to the plant. This can happen due to various reasons such as poor pollination, irregular watering, drought conditions, or improper fertilization. In some cases, genetic factors can also be responsible for vivipary.

Conditions that favor Vivipary

Tomato fruits that are prone to vivipary typically develop in late summer when the weather is hot and humid. These conditions are known to cause increased ethylene levels, a hormone responsible for initiating fruit ripening. When ethylene levels exceed a certain threshold, the biochemical environment inside the fruit can become conductive to germination, leading to vivipary. Additionally, high humidity and moisture levels can create ideal conditions for premature growth of the embryo inside the seed.

Which Tomato Plants have Vivipary?

Vivipary is a sporadic trait, and not all tomato plants will exhibit it. However, some tomato cultivars are more prone to vivipary than others. Examples of tomato plants that are known to exhibit vivipary include Black Krim, Green Zebra, Brandywine, San Marzano, and Pink Brandywine. Interestingly, some heirloom tomato varieties are more susceptible to vivipary than hybrid tomato plants.

Is Vivipary Good or Bad?

While vivipary may be a fascinating sight for a gardener, it can have some disadvantages. Tomatoes that exhibit vivipary have a shorter shelf life and may rot faster than other tomatoes as the germinating seed inside the fruit can produce mold or bacteria. Additionally, the fruit may taste sour or bitter due to the presence of certain compounds that are associated with germination. However, some gardeners believe that tomato plants that exhibit vivipary may have superior flavor profiles, which could be attributed to genetic or environmental factors that favor vivipary.

Conclusion

Vivipary is a rare and fascinating trait that can occur in some tomato plants due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While it can be challenging to predict which tomato plants will exhibit vivipary, some cultivars such as Black Krim, Green Zebra, Brandywine, San Marzano, and Pink Brandywine are more prone to this phenomenon. Gardeners can experiment with different tomato varieties to discover which ones exhibit vivipary and determine whether it has any advantages or disadvantages.