Formation of parthenocarpic fruit, undeveloped flowers and aborted flowers in tomato under moderately elevated temperatures

Incidence of parthenocarpic fruit, undeveloped flowers and flower abortion in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were compared under optimal temperature (OT, 28/22°C day/night) and chronic, mild high temperature conditions (HT, 32/26°C). Seeded fruits were found only under OT conditions, where 37±9% of all flowers developed into seeded fruit. However, flower aborted was also higher under OT, with an additional 24±7% of flowers aborted under optimal temperature conditions, compared to only 4±1% of flowers aborted under HT conditions. Under HT, most flowers (53±8%) developed into parthenocarpic fruit, and the remainder (43±7%) stayed on the plant as undeveloped flowers. A slow transition of undeveloped flowers to parthenocarpic fruit was also observed under HT. Factors determining whether flowers abort, develop parthenocarpically, remain on the plant without developing further, or develop into seeded fruit were discussed in relation to carbohydrate availability and the presence of seeded fruit on the vine.