"Down syndrome" of the tomato

sic transit gloria · May 31, 2007

I would guess that about 40 of the 60 plants that I have are exhibiting something new this year. Just when you think you've seen everything, something new pops up.

The stems/branches on the lower part of the main trunk (on all 40 or so of these plants) are all turned *directly* towards the ground. So, the stem comes out of the trunk and grows directly down the side of the trunk. It's as if somone tied the branches to the trunks of the plants.

Has anyone ever seen this phenomenon before? The plants are otherwise healthy, so I'm not alarmed, but this is very curious behavior.

sic transit gloria · June 1, 2007

I figured this out. I am using an off-white plastic for mulch. The sun is reflecting off of the mulch and the lower leaves are trying to grow towards the strongest light source, which is below them, due to the shading of the sun above them by the upper branches. I'm pretty sure this is what is going on.

**Mischka** · June 1, 2007

I'd love to see some photos of them. You can upload them directly to here, or post a link to a photo hosting site.

May 31, 2007	#1
sic transit gloria Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: KS 5b/6a Posts: 249	"Down syndrome" of the tomato I would guess that about 40 of the 60 plants that I have are exhibiting something new this year. Just when you think you've seen everything, something new pops up. The stems/branches on the lower part of the main trunk (on all 40 or so of these plants) are all turned directly towards the ground. So, the stem comes out of the trunk and grows directly down the side of the trunk. It's as if somone tied the branches to the trunks of the plants. Has anyone ever seen this phenomenon before? The plants are otherwise healthy, so I'm not alarmed, but this is very curious behavior.

June 1, 2007	#3
Mischka Tomatoville® Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Bay State Posts: 3,207	I'd love to see some photos of them. You can upload them directly to here, or post a link to a photo hosting site. __________________ Mischka One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.