"Dave Hill" <
da...@abacus-nurseries.co.uk> wrote in message
news:0691dfc3-9d0b-4356...@y10g2000vbn.googlegroups.com...
On Feb 19, 12:34 pm, Flayme <
Flayme.9b6b...@gardenbanter.co.uk> wrote:
> Is this normal?
>
> Hi, I am new to the forum and to growing tomatoes. I live in North
> Norfolk, UK. I have planted half a dozen Garden Pearl tomato seeds. All
> have germinated however, one seedling has 4 cotyledon leaves as opposed
> to two. Apart from the number of cotyledon leaves, the seedling looks
> identical to the others. Is this normal or should I discard the seedling
> as a mutation?
>
> I have read some information about 3 leaf cotyledon seedlings but this
> is very limited and I have found nothing on 4 leaf varieties.
> Unfortunately I have been unable to access the FAQs so have not been
> able to check these.
>
> Any help appreciated.
> Thanks
>
> --
> Flayme
Abstract
We describe mutations of three genes in Arabidopsis thaliana—extra
cotyledon1 (xtc1), extra cotyledon2 (xtc2), and altered meristem
programming1 (amp1)—that transform leaves into cotyledons.
SNIP
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! From someone who still deals in degrees fahrenheit and inches of
rainfall, that explanation of what happens in 'mouse eared cress' would
confuse a university botanist. I will try to translate:-
In the germination of a seed, changes may take place in the number of
apparent cotyledons. This may involve the modification of one or two of the
first two true leaves to look like cotyledons. There will be no difference
in the look of the final plant. I am a well known breeder of Chrysanthemums
and each year amongst my seedlings there are 2-3% which have more than the
standard 2 cotyledons. In the past I have separated these in the hope that
these seedlings will in some ways be superior. I have found no such
superiority or flaws.
Grow your tomato seedlings on as normal, you will see no difference.
Phil