Selection of F2BC1 tomato genotypes for processing containing high levels of zingiberene and resistant to tomato pinworms

Abstract

An alternative for the management of the tomato moth is genetic resistance obtained through interspecific crosses. The aim of this study was to select genotypes from the second generation of the first backcrossing (F2BC1) between the cultivar Redencao, which presents processing characteristics, and the wild access Solanum habrochaites var. hirsutum ‘PI-127826’, containing high levels of zingiberene and resistant to tomato moths, using different damage evaluation methodologies. For this purpose, F2BC1 genotypes with different zingiberene levels were submitted to a pest resistance test comprising ten treatments. The treatments consisted of five F2BC1 genotypes with high zingiberene content, three with low content, and the parental plants. The damage caused by the caterpillars were evaluated using two methodologies, a graded visual evaluation and estimates of the percentage of damaged leaf areas. Additionally, population growth was evaluated based on the count of the number of caterpillars present on leaflets. Zingiberene-rich F2BC1 genotypes were less damaged compared to those containing low levels of this substance and the recurrent parent. The two methodologies for assessing damages were demonstrated as feasible. The RVTZ 2011–079-117 and RVTZ 2011–079-335 genotypes presented potential as resistant tomato moth sources.