HD-Zip proteins modify floral structures for self-pollination in tomato. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38574141/)

These scientists discovered how certain genes in tomatoes help them reproduce in a special way called cleistogamy, which means they can pollinate themselves. They found three specific genes that work together to create a structure on the flower that keeps the pollen inside so it can fertilize itself. These genes also control the length of the style, which is the part of the flower that collects the pollen. By studying how these genes have changed over time in tomatoes, the scientists learned more about how cleistogamy evolved and how it can be useful for growing crops. Their research could help improve how fruits grow and prevent unwanted pollen from affecting genetically modified plants.

Wu M., Bian X., Huang B., Du Y., Hu S., Wang Y., Shen J., Wu S. HD-Zip proteins modify floral structures for self-pollination in tomato. Science. 2024 Apr 5;384(6691):124-130. doi: 10.1126/science.adl1982. Epub 2024 Apr 4.