Agronomic potential of BC1F2 dwarf round tomato populations

Rafael Resende Finzi,Gabriel Mascarenhas Maciel,Marina Freitas E Silva,Hugo Gabriel Peres,Danilo Araújo Gomes,Joicy Vitória Miranda Peixoto

doi:10.1590/1413-7054202044028819

Rafael Resende Finzi, Gabriel Mascarenhas Maciel + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-7054202044028819

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Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of dwarf lines to obtain mini-tomato hybrids has provided agronomic and economic benefits. In Brazil, round tomatoes predominate over other varieties. The benefits of using a dwarf parent in round tomato hybrids has yet to be explored, making it important to develop dwarf round tomato lines. Backcrossing is the most suitable method to develop these lines. Evaluation and selection of the dwarf populations can improve the development of such lines. Thus, the aim of this study was to select BC1F2 populations of dwarf round tomatoes with agronomic potential and high-quality fruit. The study was conducted at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). A randomized block design was used, with 15 treatments and three replicates. The genetic material analyzed consisted of 12 BC1F2 dwarf tomato populations, plus both parents (recurrent and donor) and a commercial hybrid. The characteristics assessed were: average fruit weight (g), total soluble solids (ºBrix), number of locules (locules per fruit-1), fruit shape, pulp thickness (cm), longitudinal (cm) and transverse fruit diameter (cm), internode length (cm) and plant height (cm). The data were submitted to mean testing, multivariate analyses and a selection index. In general, average fruit weight in the dwarf populations increased significantly after the first backcross, with some fruits exhibiting a similar shape to round tomatoes. Selection of the populations UFU-DTOM7, UFU-DTOM10, UFU-DTOM5, UFU-DTOM9, and UFU-DTOM3 resulted in an estimated 6% increase in the number of locules, transverse diameter, TD/LD ratio and average fruit weight. The BC1F2 dwarf populations UFU-DTOM7 and UFU-DTOM10 were the most promising for develop inbred lines with round fruits. Despite the considerable progress achieved in this study, we suggest a second backcross, in order to obtain lines and, posteriorly, hybrids with round fruits and compact plants.

Highlights

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the important vegetables cultivated worldwide, Brazil being a major producer
The experiment was conducted from January to June 2019, at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), on the Monte Carmelo campus, in Minas Gerais state (MG), Brazil (18o42’43.19”S, 47o29’55.8”W and 873 m.a.s.l.)
The genetic material analyzed consisted of 12 dwarf tomato populations obtained from the first backcross (BC1F2) after hybridization of a pre-commercial inbred line with round-type fruit versus the dwarf line UFU MC TOM1 (Maciel; Silva; Fernandes, 2015), plus both parents and a commercial hybrid (Paronset®), totaling 15 treatments

Summary

Introduction

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the important vegetables cultivated worldwide, Brazil being a major producer. Out of Brazil, this tomato groups are known as cherry or grape (mini-tomatoes), round, beefsteak, chonto, and saladette or roma, respectivelly. The round tomato is widely grown for fresh-market in Brazil and is the most economically important. These tomatoes are grown primarily as field crops, involving high costs per hectare and significant financial risk. Few studies have focused on a vital aspect capable of improving yield and fruit quality without increasing crop management and production costs: breed for short internodes trait

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