Genes for long shelf-life in tomato

Abstract

One hundred eighty-four red-fruited tomato accessions from various origins were screened in Puerto Rico in 1981 for shelf-life of ripened fruit; 13 were found to have exceptionally long life (16 weeks or more). From these, six lines were selected and crossed with Kewalo from Hawaii and F₁, F₂ and F₃ generations as well as BC₁ and F₂ of BC₁, were grown. Long shelf-life was controlled by several genes in these crosses, and discrete ratios were not obtained. Among the hybrids longest shelf-life was found in individuals of F₂ families. Both recessive and dominant genes were segregating. Individual plants with fruit of exceptional shelf-life were obtained even in the most advanced generations. Pedigree selection is suggested as a useful technique for concentrating the genes for long shelf-life in o standard variety. Pure lines can then be crossed to combine genes from different sources. Minor genes for long shelf-life in homozygous pure lines may prove more useful than simple dominant genes in hybrids.