Optimization of Tomato Shoot Architecture by Combined Mutations in the Floral Activators FUL2/MBP20 and the Repressor SP

Shoot determinacy is a key trait affecting productivity in tomato, quantitatively governed by genes within the flowering pathway. Achieving an optimal balance of flowering signals is essential for shaping plant architecture and maximizing yield potential. However, the genetic resources and allelic d...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Jiang, Xiaobing, López-Martín, María Jesús, Gómez Mena, Concepción, Ferrándiz, Cristina, Bemer, Marian
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/379518
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/379518
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Shoot architecture
Flowering
Sympodial growth
Tomato
Descripción
Sumario:Shoot determinacy is a key trait affecting productivity in tomato, quantitatively governed by genes within the flowering pathway. Achieving an optimal balance of flowering signals is essential for shaping plant architecture and maximizing yield potential. However, the genetic resources and allelic diversity available for fine-tuning this balance remain limited. In this work, we demonstrate the potential for directly manipulating shoot architecture by simultaneously targeting the flowering activating FRUITFULL(FUL)-like genes, FUL2 and MADS-BOX PROTEIN 20 (MBP20), and the flowering-repressing gene SELFPRUNING (SP). Loss of MBP20 in the sp background leads to additional inflorescences, while determinacy is largely maintained. However, additional mutation of FUL2 results in mainly indeterminate plants, which have faster sympodial cycling, leading to more compact growth and increased flower production. Our results provide a path to quantitative tuning of the flowering signals with a direct impact on shoot architecture and productivity.