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Tomatoes for organic farming in field farming - breeding methodology and regional variety development
Project
Project code: 2803OE627
Contract period: 01.04.2004
- 31.03.2007
Budget: 187,265 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Outdoor tomato production in private and market gardens in Germany is severely restricted by late blight (Phytophthora infestans).
In close contact with genebanks, NGOs, seed trade and private seed savers 92 varieties were selected out of 3500 accessions for comparative trials at 3 locations in central and northwestern Germany. The best accessions were tested each year at more than 25 locations. Recommended are the top ten varieties including the wild tomatoes Rote Murmel and Golden Currant, cocktail tomatoes Celsior, Resi Gold, Cerise yellow and Cerise red, salad tomatoes Matina and Rote Zora, processing tomato De Berao and beefsteak tomato Paprikaförmige.
It is of particular significance for a breeding program, whether selection in different environments will lead to regional differentiation. Experimental evidence indicated site specific adaptation for yield, but to investigate regional differences in field resistence against Phytophthora, further research is required.
Selection potential for quality traits depended on the individual cross. Taste testing can be an efficient method in screening and breeding for organic horticulture.
Phytopathological analysis investigated the interdependence of Phytophthora-infections on tomato and potato. Resistances differed between both host species. Tomatoes revealed a high diversity of qualitative and quantitative resistances. Selection in the F2 and subsequent progeny testing proved to be a suitable method for selection for field resistance against late blight.
Crosses between beefsteak-, salad-, cocktail- and wild tomatos were carried out to develop a broad genetic base for a long-term organic breeding program. Results for yield, harvest period and fruit quality were encouraging. The correlation of field resistance against late blight with low fruit weight remains a restricting factor.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Horticulture
- Vegetable Gardening
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
