Vivipary of Solanaceous Crops
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Vivipary can occur when fruit become overripe and the hormone controlling seed dormancy, known as abscisic acid, is exhausted. The seeds inside the fruit begin to germinate and the sprouting seeds can even poke through an uncut tomato. Vivipary can be avoided by not letting fruit become overripe. Do not leave tomatoes on the plant too long, and consume them within a few days after ripening. Tomatoes can be harvested before they are fully ripe. Storing tomato fruit below 55°F may also lead to vivipary. Peppers can also have vivipary.
Vivipary on tomato.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team)
