FT — Solanum lycopersicum

Summary

SFT (SOLYC03G063100.2) on tomato chromosome 3 encodes a phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family member with sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription factor activity, and mRNA regulatory element binding translation repressor activity. The gene is associated with flower formation, inflorescence morphogenesis, floral whorl development, maintenance of inflorescence meristem identity, phloem development, ear development, entry into dormancy, and response to short-day conditions. It is linked to fruit number, fruit set, fruit ripening, days to maturity, photoperiod sensitivity, compound leaf morphology, inflorescence branching, flower number, carbon isotope discrimination, vegetative vigor, heterosis, and spot blotch response. Localization evidence connects SFT to the plasmodesma, ER, Golgi, plastid, and plant-type cell wall. Related genes in other species link the family to flowering time, floral transition, photoperiodic flowering response, seed yield, and endosperm development.