Tri-Cot Seedling

Longlake · March 17, 2013

One of my tomato seedlings sprouted with three cotyledons, now followed by 3 true leaves. My question is whether this tri-pattern will continue as the plant grows? Is it indicative of some type of genetic fault that typically results in problems down the road? Or will this type of seedling grow up and produce tomatoes just fine?

To hedge my bets, I did just plant a couple more seeds of this variety (Fish Lake Oxheart) so can use them if needed...but won't have room for multiples in my garden (drats!).

Thanks for any insight.

Redbaron · March 19, 2013

I don't have all your answers. All I can say is that the one time it happened with one of mine, it reverted to a normal plant in every respect.

mcsee · March 19, 2013

It will grow and produce as a normal plant would, although some say they will grow into a stronger plant, which I've never ever noticed any difference in the dozen I've grown.

Your plant will be fine and there's no need to replace it.

Longlake · March 19, 2013

Thanks for the insight...Much appreciated!

Darren Abbey · March 19, 2013

The developmental program of plants is much more flexible than that found in animals, with many errors having no real consequence for the further growth of the organism.

Though it will likely revert to the more expected pattern of growth, there are plants that have an intrinsic 3-part symmetry to their growth, so there is a very small chance that it will maintain the odd pattern. (This would be really cool.)

March 17, 2013	#1
Longlake Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: MN Posts: 142	Tri-Cot Seedling One of my tomato seedlings sprouted with three cotyledons, now followed by 3 true leaves. My question is whether this tri-pattern will continue as the plant grows? Is it indicative of some type of genetic fault that typically results in problems down the road? Or will this type of seedling grow up and produce tomatoes just fine? To hedge my bets, I did just plant a couple more seeds of this variety (Fish Lake Oxheart) so can use them if needed...but won't have room for multiples in my garden (drats!). Thanks for any insight. __________________ My garden is like a teenager - One minute I'm basking in it's glow and the next I'm cursing it's attitude and headstrong independence.

March 19, 2013	#2
Redbaron Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 4,488	I don't have all your answers. All I can say is that the one time it happened with one of mine, it reverted to a normal plant in every respect. __________________ Scott AKA The Redbaron "Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted & thoughtful observation rather than protracted & thoughtless labour; & of looking at plants & animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single-product system." Bill Mollison co-founder of permaculture

March 19, 2013	#4
Longlake Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: MN Posts: 142	Thanks for the insight...Much appreciated! __________________ My garden is like a teenager - One minute I'm basking in it's glow and the next I'm cursing it's attitude and headstrong independence.

March 19, 2013	#3
mcsee Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Victoria. Australia Posts: 543	It will grow and produce as a normal plant would, although some say they will grow into a stronger plant, which I've never ever noticed any difference in the dozen I've grown. Your plant will be fine and there's no need to replace it.

March 19, 2013	#5
Darren Abbey Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 586	The developmental program of plants is much more flexible than that found in animals, with many errors having no real consequence for the further growth of the organism. Though it will likely revert to the more expected pattern of growth, there are plants that have an intrinsic 3-part symmetry to their growth, so there is a very small chance that it will maintain the odd pattern. (This would be really cool.)