Formation in vitro of ripe tomato fruits from thin layer explants of flower pedicels

Thin longitudinal sections cut from pedicels of fifteen cultivars of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were grown in vitro on Murashige-Skoog medium supplemented with various concentrations of different auxins and cytokinins. Isatin (an auxin precursor slowly converted to an active auxin) was the most effective source of auxin for the formation of buds without prior root formation, while zeatin was the most effective cytokinin for growth and development of the buds. Flower buds and ripe fruits developed consistently from explants of the cultivar Pixie Hybrid II treated with 10 μM isatin plus 3 μM zeatin as the cytokinin. Fruits developed parthenocarpically, grew to a diameter of about 15 mm, ripened promptly, and possessed normal color and flavor.