Physiological and Biochemical Perspectives on the Role of Plant Growth Regulators in Enhancing Seed Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme): A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) has emerged as a high value specialty crop owing to its superior flavour, nutritional attributes and extended fruiting habit. However, efficient seed production remains challenging due to hormonal imbalance between vegetative and reproductive phases and low seed set. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a pivotal role in overcoming these physiological constraints by modulating endogenous hormone networks that govern flowering, fruit development, seed filling and germination. This review provides current advances in the understanding of PGR-mediated regulation of seed yield and quality. Gibberellins have shown significant efficacy in enhancing flowering, fruit set and seed vigour, while auxins and cytokinins synergistically regulate embryo development and seed coat formation. Growth retardants such as paclobutrazol (PBZ) effectively restrict vegetative growth, redirecting assimilates toward reproductive sinks. Integrating optimal PGR types, concentrations and application timings offers a sustainable strategy to improve both quantitative and qualitative seed production in cherry tomato under tropical conditions.