Tomato Hybrids Research Articles

Interspecific Hybrid Rootstocks Improve Productivity of Tomato Grown under High-temperature Stress

Grafting can be a useful technology to improve productivity of vegetable crops, including tomato, particularly under the serious challenges of climate change for agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of some local tomato interspecific hybrid rootstocks along with Maxifort on the vegetative growth, productivity, and fruit quality of tomato under field production conditions. Heat-tolerant tomato hybrid 023 F1 was used as a scion over the two late summer seasons of 2021 and 2022. Grafting 023 F1 onto Maxifort or KFS-16 rootstocks resulted in the maximum plant growth. Similarly, Maxifort and KFS-16 rootstocks significantly increased the fruit setting percentage from 22.2% to 23.5% and 17.8% to 24.6%, total fruit yield from 33.5% to 53.7% and 29.6% to 51.6%, and marketable yields from 34.1% to 56.0% and 27.3% to 56.7%, respectively, during both seasons compared with nongrafted plants. These two rootstocks enhanced nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) uptake compared with nongrafted planted. However, grafting with the interspecific hybrid rootstocks (KFS-8 and KWS-9) significantly decreased the content of catalase, peroxidase, and proline, which might be associated with lower plant vigor and yield in these rootstocks. All rootstocks had an impact on fruit chemical composition; however, generally, Maxifort and KFS-16 had greater contents of vitamin C, β-carotene, and total antioxidants than nongrafted plants. KFS-16 had also greater lycopene content than nongrafted plants. These results demonstrate the potential use of Maxifort and local rootstock KFS-16 to boost the growth and yield of tomato plants under high-temperature stress in the late summer season.

Study the Performance of High Yielding Tomato Hybrids in Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, India

Study the Performance of High Yielding Tomato Hybrids in Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, India

Growth, development, photosynthetic potential, productivity and adaptability of tomato varieties on slightly saline soils of the Bukhara region

The article presents the results of a study of a collection of local and introduced early, mid-early and mid-ripening tomato hybrid varieties in terms of growth rate, development, formation of leaf surface area, tops, root system, photosynthetic potential, fruit formation, productivity indicators, total and marketable yield by harvest, coefficient adaptability. On their basis, tomato hybrid varieties were isolated from the earlyripening group; from other studied groups, they were tall, branched, with a high leaf surface area, powerful tops, root system and productivity. The hybrid varieties Tomsk F1, Bobcat F1, Lojain F1, Seraj F1 were especially distinguished by these indicators, in which the plant height was 71.3-80.2 cm, leaf surface area 0.67-0.70 m2, root weight 124-144 g, tops 473-574 g, fruit yield per bush 1734.1-2579.5 g.It was revealed that the greatest photosynthetic potential in crops was observed in the hybrid varieties Tomsk F1 (1675.6 thousand m2/ha x day), Bobcat F1 (1644.0 thousand m2/ha x day), Seraj F1 (1693.2 thousand .m2/ha x day), Red stone (1941.2 thousand m2/ha x day), Wolverine F1 (1841.8 thousand m2/ha x day), Torrecotta F1 (1726.1 thousand m2/ha x day day), Pink trind F1 (2252.3 thousand m2/ha x day). The highest adaptability coefficient was in the hybrid varieties Tomsk F1 (1.49), Bobcat F1 (1.28), Seraj F1 (1.22), Red stone (1.40), Pink trind F1 (1.16), in which the yield was 44.0-109.8 t/ha.

The influence of bioinsecticides on the effectiveness of pest protection and productivity of tomatoes and sweet peppers in open ground in the Rostov region

In open ground conditions of the Rostov region, on improved natural soils, the effect of bioinsecticides for protection against the main pests of tomato and sweet pepper was assessed. The issues of the influence of the use of bioinsecticides on the size of the early and total yield of nightshade crops are considered. It was found that 4-fold treatment with the bioinsecticides Matrin Bio and Probrand contributed to the maximum suppression of melon aphids, spider mites and cutworms, but only provided approximately 50% protection against whiteflies. In general, the use of bioinsecticides for protection against pests, especially such as Probrand and Matrine Bio, is an effective technique that helps increase the yield of the early and overall harvest, and given the absence of harm from bioinsecticides, it makes it possible to obtain high-quality products. When choosing a varietal composition, pay attention to the tomato hybrid Makhitos F1 and the Rozovyy flamingo variety, and the sweet pepper varieties Knyaz’ serebryanyy and Zolotoe Chudo, bred by the Rostov CC and having a high adaptation potential to the local conditions of the Azov zone.

The Outlook of Tomatoes with extended Shelf Life in Nigeria and the Ensuing Safety Measures and Regulated Introduction by Nigerian Regulatory Authorities

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is widely consumed worldwide. The primary chance to influence tomatoes' edibility and market value lies in regulating the synthesis and function of the plant hormone ethylene responsible for ripening. The usage of harmless substances on tomato surfaces, a reduction in storage temperature, the implementation of modified atmosphere packaging, or a combination of these approaches have been associated with increasing tomatoes’ shelf life. As crop plants containing a genetically modified trait through molecular techniques continue their transition from the laboratory to the field, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has been reported to be developing genetically modified (GM) tomatoes by deactivating polygalacturonase (PG) gene that is responsible for polygalacturonase which is the enzyme that aids fruit softening and subsequently increases the shelf life of the tomatoes to be released in the Nigerian market. This article looks at tomatoes (S. lycopersicum) and the methods used in increasing their shelf life with more focus on the genetically modified tomatoes and the needed regulations by the Nigerian regulatory bodies before its commercialization in the country. Environmental and health hazards that require careful consideration in the course of embarking on the genetical modification and introduction of the hybrid tomatoes into the Nigeria markets encompass potential biodiversity loss, adverse impacts on natural food chains, and the potential rise of more virulent pathogen populations. Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasize that the biotechnological processes and products must be accompanied by effective regulations to mitigate these concerns, National Biosafety Management Agency is believed to be engaged with these needs.

Characterization of tomato lines for yield components, processing traits and disease resistance based on phenotype and molecular markers

Development of improved line is one of the major activities in hybrid tomato breeding. The aim of this study was to identify improved lines based on horticultural traits, total soluble solid (TSS) and diseases resistance particularly tomato yellow leaf curl virus (ToLCV). The genotypes consisted of improved lines, jointless tomato, cherry tomato and beta carotene rich lines. These lines were evaluated in field experiment and screened against ToLCV resistance under natural field condition for two years. Molecular markers based assays were performed for resistance genes to ToLCV (Ty-2 and Ty-3), late blight (Ph-3) and root knot nematode (Mi1-2). Based on fruit yield, promising genotypes were improved lines (VRT-06, VRT-19, VRT-34 and VRT-51), jointless (EC-605037 and EC-695037), cherry tomato (VRCRT-5), and beta-carotene line (KB-20). High TSS was noticed in improved line VRT-67 (5.36 °Brix), jointless EC-695037 (5.37 °Brix) and cherry tomato VRCYT-3 (8.22 °Brix). High ToLCV resistance was recorded in improved lines (VRT-06, VRT-19, VRT-30, VRT-34, VRT-50, VRT-51, and VRT-67), jointless (EC-695037, EC-605037, EC-605094, KB-Jointless and New-Jointless), cherry tomato (VRCYT-3, VRCYT-5, VRCYT-9 and VRCYT-15), and beta carotene (KB-2, KB-3-1, KB-3-2, KB-5, KB-10, KB-14, KB-17 and KB-20). Tomato line VRT-02 having dwarf plant type was found suitable for pot culture, whereas line H-88-78-2 had very delayed and partial fruit ripening. Thus, our study identified promising lines for breeding application for economically important horticultural traits.

Long-term impact of biofortified iodine on tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) growth, yield, and quality

Background: Naturally occurring iodide iodine exhibits complex soil behavior. Even though higher plants don’t consider iodine a vitamin, living things need it. Iodine is part of the thyroid hormone, which is vital to human health and metabolism. Potassium is the most effective cation for tomato plants and has a crucial role in improving several post-harvest quality characteristics in tomato fruits as well as in almost all vegetables. Methods: In the present work, we assessed the growth, yield and quality (Ascorbic acid, Titrable acidity and soluble solids) of tomatoesfrom different sources of chitosan and potassium iodate alone and combinations. The field experiment was carried out in the Thondamuthur block of Viraliyur village in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in 2022. The experiments were performed in randomized block design with three replications in palaviduthi soil series using hybrid tomato “Shivam”. Result: The chitosan iodate complex and foliar application combination enhanced the growth, yield and quality of tomato. Potassium iodate alone applied to soil and foliar, improved fruit quality but did not prevent acid loss during ripening. Chitosan reduces respiration and oxygen permeability to preserve losses. Thus, potassium iodate chitosan complex was favoured for boosting plant growth, fruit yield and quality.

Fuzzy modeling of biometric variables development of tomato crop under irrigation and water salinity effects

Tomato is a demanding crop in terms of handling, mainly because irrigation has a strong influence on fruit production and quality. Salinity changes the absorption, transport, assimilation, and distribution of nutrients in the plant. In general, such effects are analyzed using statistical tests. However, fuzzy models allow simulations between points that are not verified in agricultural experimentation. Currently, systems with artificial intelligence have excelled in the field of applied sciences, particularly fuzzy systems applied to mathematical modeling. The objective of this research was to use fuzzy modeling to analyze the biometric variables during the development of hybrid tomatoes under two different conditions: the first concerning different water tensions in the soil and the second concerning different salinity doses in irrigation. To this end, two models were developed based on an experiment carried out at São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agriculture, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Both models sought to estimate the values of biometric variables of the tomato crop. Thus, two models were developed: Model 1 regarded water tensions and days after sowing (DAS), while Model 2 featured salinity and DAS. Fuzzy models provided results that verified the effects of irrigation and salinity layers. Two Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems (FRBS), an input processor with two variables, a set of linguistic rules defined from statistical procedures with percentiles, the Mamdani fuzzy inference method, and the center of gravity method to defuzzification were elaborated for this purpose. The range between −25 and −10 kPa (for Model 1) and between 0.08 and 3 dS m−1 (for Model 2) provided the development within the ideal parameters for the complete development of the plant cycle. The use of fuzzy logic has shown effectiveness in evaluating the development of tomato crops, thus showing potential for use in agricultural sciences. Moreover, the created fuzzy models showed the same characteristics of the experiment, allowing their use as an automatic technique to estimate ideal parameters for the complete development of the plant cycle. The development of applications (software) that provide the results generated by the artificial intelligence models of the present study is the aim of future research.

Identification and evaluation of potential beef tomato elders for the crossing material of NIL-Sletr1-2

The beef tomato is one of the most popular and valuable tomato fruits in Indonesia. Because of this tomato consumed as fresh fruit, therefore one of the problems is fruit shelf life. Generating new cultivar with longest fruit shelf life will be a challenge such as by the crossing with NIL-Sletr1-2. A NIL Sletr1-2 line has been established in order to address this issue. However, they have never been used as breeding materials to improve the shelf life of beef tomatoes, particularly in Indonesia. The study aims to identify potential beef tomato varieties for hybridization with NIL-Sletr1-2, with an emphasis on ease of emasculation, cross-success rates, and the potential for hybrid seed production. The study was conducted in Lembang, Indonesia, at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level, from February to September 2023. In this study, five homozygous beef tomato cultivars were crossed with the NIL strain Sletr1-2 with four replications. The results showed that hybridizing beef tomato cultivars with NIL-Sletr1-2 strains for long-shelf-life beef tomato hybrids was influenced by genetic factors. The insensitivity of NIL-Sletr1-2 strains to ethylene had a negative effect on the production of pollen. ‘Roloise’, ‘Mortgage’, and ‘Costoluto’ cultivars have high seed yield potential and are suitable for crossbreeding with NIL-Sletr1-2 strains to produce hybrid seeds.

Reaction of Tomato Hybrids to Different Ripeness in Conditions of a Multi-Tube Hydroponic, Soil and Lighting Options

The aim of the study was response tomato hybrids in a multi-tube hydroponic technology in a polycarbonate greenhouse and the effect of different lighting in a phytotron on tomato plants. A study was conducted at All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Production, Moscow region, Russia and the laboratory of artificial climate (RSAU – MTAA). Eleven tomato hybrids were studied, differing in ripeness groups, by comparing their reactions in a hydroponic system (Phytopyramide) and a greenhouse system (soil). The effect of seven different spectral lighting modes on four hybrids under phytotron conditions (growth chamber) was also studied. Observations revealed a significant effect of hydroponic on maturation period. Hydroponic vertical cultivation has shown excellent results in obtaining an early tomato harvest and an increase in yield per m2 compared to a ground greenhouse. A higher marketable production was obtained with Ruddy ball F1 (25.51 kg/m2) compared to (9.92 kg/m2) in the soil greenhouse. Dichromatic light had the greatest effect on photosynthesis, while monochromatic light had the greatest effect on height growth. An increase in leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) was obtained with (blue+red) light (620.06) compared to monochromatic green light (319.88). Monochromatic red (23.81 cm) had the greatest lighting effect on plant height compared to monochromatic blue (12.62 cm) the least.

The amount and chemistry of acylsugars affects sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) oviposition and development, and tomato yellow leaf curl virus incidence, in field grown tomato plants.

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the impact of endogenous production of trichome-exuded acylsugars on insects and insect transmitted virus by evaluating tomato lines and their hybrids bred for acylsugar production under field settings on whiteflies and the whitefly-transmitted tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Specifically, we utilized a diverse array of tomato lines and hybrids bred for changes in acylsugar amount or type, grown in three field trials under natural whitefly and virus pressure, to investigate whether the amount of accumulated acylsugars and or the chemical profile of the acylsugars were associated with greater resistance to whiteflies and reduced incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus. There was considerable variation in the abundance of whitefly eggs and nymphs and incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus across experiments and between entries. Increasing amount of acylsugars accumulated by the tomato entries was associated with a reduction in the abundance of whitefly eggs and nymphs and a reduction in the incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Additionally, we identified lines with changes in several acylsugar fatty acids that were associated with decreased abundance of whitefly eggs and nymphs and reduced incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus. These results inform the utility of acylsugars as a host plant defense system for improving resistance to whiteflies and their transmitted viruses, with potential for reducing insecticides as a control method for whiteflies and provide breeding targets for optimization of existing acylsugar tomato lines to create lines with the most efficacious amount and chemistry of acylsugars.

Simple, fast and inexpensive hot sodium hydroxide and tris DNA extraction method for genotyping tomato and melon seeds.

Seed commerce is a highly profitable global market. Most commercialized seeds are hybrid seeds originating from a controlled cross between two selected parental lines. The market value of hybrid seeds depends on their hybrid genetic purity. DNA molecular markers are a reliable and widespread tool to genotype plant materials; however, DNA extraction from seeds is challenging, often laborious and expensive. With the ultimate goal of creatinga tomato and melon hybrid seeds purity test, various challenges arise. To overcome these problems and with the purpose ofcrude DNA extraction, a simple, fast, inexpensive and easily scalable adaptation of the hot sodium hydroxide and tris method coupled to a competitive allele-specific PCRgenotyping method is proposed.

Observation and restriction of Aculops lycopersici dispersal in tomato layer cultivation

The tomato russet mite Aculops lycopersici has become a challenging pest in tomato production in the EU. The number of available acaricides is low, and the efficacy of biological control is limited. With this study, we aim to understand better the unhindered dispersal dynamics and develop a method to reduce dispersal on plants.To better understand the dynamics of A. lycopersici dispersal in layered tomato cultivation under practical conditions, a first trial was carried out. The trial confirmed that first A. lycopersici symptoms in practical cultivation usually occur in the lower or the middle third of tomato plants and then move upwards on plants. It was observed that plants, for a limited period of time often are able to grow new healthy leaves in the same pace as existing leaves, mostly in the lower and middle part of the plant are damaged by A. lycopersici. This is possible due to the fast growth rate of hybrid tomato varieties in layer cultivation. To test if the observed effect can be supported by further slowing down the upwards movement of the pest, a second trial was conducted. Here, the stems of inoculated tomato plants were blocked weekly for A. lycopersici by applying a ring of insect glue 15 cm below the tip of the plants. This stem blockage severely impaired the only active dispersal mode of A. lycopersici: walking. The growth of new plant material, when the method is applied, is able to exceed the speed with which A. lycopersici destroys plant material in layered tomato cultivation. This resulted in significantly less plant damage and prevented fruit damage on all treated plants. The approach of manipulating the plant stem and thereby restricting the movement of the mite on tomato plants could potentially be exploited for plant protection purposes under practical conditions.

In-vivo Screening of Cherry Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunnal) A. Gray] Genotypes and Hybrids against Fusarium Wilt in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Cherry tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunnal) A. Gray] is becoming popular among various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh due to its unique taste, flavor and appearance. Owing high rainfall and high humidity, successful cultivation of cherry tomato is becoming restricted in this state due to various biotic factors like infection of wilt complexes as well as pests like root-knot nematodes. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate eighteen cherry tomato genotypes (nine) and hybrids (nine) against Fungal wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici resistance in the Pasighat condition of Arunachal Pradesh, India. For screening purpose, artificial pathogen inoculation method was applied through pin-prick method in the 35 days old cherry tomato seedlings that were grown in pot culture containing sterile soil and data for the pathogen infection was recorded by following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in 60 days and 120 days after pathogen inoculation. Among 18 genotypes and hybrids, G4xG6 (DI:0.00%, PDI:0.00%), G9 (DI:0.00%, PDI:0.00%) and G5 (DI:0.00%, PDI:0.00%) showed highest resistance towards Fusarium wilt, while genotype G3 (DI:65.56%, PDI:63.60%) exhibited susceptible system. The disease incidence was ranged from 0.00%-65.56%. The use of resistant genotypes and hybrids to manage the population of fungus is a very cost effective method and can be exploited commercially in breeding programmes and for vegetable grafting.

IDENTIFICATION OF OUTSTANDING SALADETTE TOMATO LINES WITH A WIDENED GENETIC BASE

The “bell pepper” or “chino criollo” tomato is a native Mexican variety with similar characteristics to the “Saladette” tomato and the potential to be used as a source of germplasm to generate commercial hybrids of this type. The aim of this investigation was to identify and select advanced lines with a wide genetic base, derived from crosses between Saladette tomatoes and native populations to generate free pollination varieties and potential parents of Saladette tomato hybrids. The hypothesis was that crosses between native populations and Saladette commercial hybrids generate outstanding offspring. The 103 genotypes evaluated included 10 native parents, three parents derived from commercial hybrids, one commercial hybrid control (“El Cid”) and 89 S4 advanced lines. The evaluation was carried out in a greenhouse and hydroponics during the 2020 spring-summer cycle, using a randomized complete block experimental design with three replications and four plants per replication. The total weight and number of fruits were recorded based on the sum of the two cuts performed. The days to flowering of the first cluster, average fruit weight, and total soluble solids were also determined. Analyses of variance were carried out for each variable, as well as orthogonal contrasts and correlations between different combinations of the materials of interest. The comparison of means was carried out using Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Nine advanced lines with similar or greater characteristics to the control were identified and are recommended to be recombined genetically in a diallelic cross scheme to identify new outstanding offspring. The advanced line 2051 (LOR85 X C) was identified, with a similar yield to that reported for the control, which can be used as an open pollination variety since it has similar characteristics to the control “El Cid”, but with native tomato genes.

Performance of Different Hybrids of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for Growth and Yield under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

The research experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Research Field at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season 2022-2023 to investigate the growth and yield of different hybrids of tomato. The design of the experiment was RBD with three replications. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the plants in terms of various parameters such as plant height, number of branches, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to fruit setting, number of flowers cluster per plant, number of fruit set per cluster, number of fruits per plant, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, fruit weight, fruit yield/plant, and fruit yield/ha. The different hybrids (Gagan Plus, NS 585, Pukhraj, Hamilton, Beef Steak, Arka Rakshak, Arka Samrat and Shivani) have been taken in the study. The result of the study indicates that variety Arka Rakshak has a significantly improved growth and yield of tomato. The highest fruit weight and fruit yield were observed in the hybrid Arka Rakshak. Overall, the study suggests that the hybrid Arka Rakshak is the best for the growth and yield of tomatoes.

New heterotic tomato hybrid with high mature fruits storageability

New heterotic tomato hybrid with high mature fruits storageability

Response of bacterial biovars to inheritance pattern of bacterial wilt disease in tomato

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the genetic control of disease tolerance is necessary for effective transfer of desirable genes in resultant progenies leading to development of disease tolerant cultivars and hybrids. Bacterial wilt (BW) disease-resistant varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) express differential reactions to bacterial biovars distributed in specific regions. Genetic control of host tolerance to BW disease was studied using the generations P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, BC2 of three tolerant × susceptible crosses (“Utkal Kumari × CLN- 2460E;” “Utkal Kumari × CLN-2764A;” “Utkal Deepti × CLN-2460E”) involving two tolerant (“Utkal Kumari,” “Utkal Deepti”), and two susceptible (“CLN-2460E” and “CLN-2764A”) genotypes exposed to the virulent bacterial biovars III and VI. The inheritance pattern indicated tolerance to BW disease was conditioned by a single dominant gene in three crosses when exposed to both biovars. Genetic control of bacterial wilt resistance did not depend on the interaction between genotype and bacterial biovars tested. Predominance of non-additive gene action and duplicate epistasis for conditioning of first appearance and incidence of BW disease in crosses indicated hindrance in progress through conventional selection. Selection for improvement of BW disease-related traits should be delayed to later segregating generations. The modified bulk method of selection appeared to be best for improving BW disease-related traits of tomato. Tomato hybrids tolerant to BW disease could be developed with the involvement of one parent tolerant to this disease.

Rapid generation of a tomato male sterility system and its feasible application in hybrid seed production.

A practical approach for the rapid generation and feasible application of green hypocotyl male-sterile (GHMS) tm6 dfr lines in tomato hybrid breeding was established. Male sterility enables reduced cost and high seed purity during hybrid seed production. However, progress toward its commercial application has been slow in tomato due to the disadvantages of most natural male-sterile mutants. Here, we developed a practical method for efficient tomato hybrid seed production using a male-sterile system with visible marker, which was rapidly generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. Two closely linked genes, TM6 and DFR, which were reported to be candidates of ms15 (male sterile-15) and aw (anthocyanin without) locus, respectively, were knocked out simultaneously in two elite tomato inbred lines. Mutagenesis of both genes generated green hypocotyl male-sterile (GHMS) lines. The GHMS lines exhibited male sterility across different genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions. They also showed green hypocotyl due to defective anthocyanin accumulation, which serves as a reliable visible marker for selecting male-sterile plants at the seedling stage. We further proposed a strategy for multiplying the GHMS system and verified its high efficiency in stable male sterility propagation. Moreover, elite hybrid seeds were produced using GHMS system for potential side effects evaluation, and no adverse influences were found on seed yield, seed quality as well as important agronomic traits. This study provides a practical approach for the rapid generation and feasible application of male sterility in tomato hybrid breeding.

The transcription factor EMB1444-like affects tomato fruit ripening by regulating YELLOW-FRUITED TOMATO 1, a core component of ethylene signaling transduction.

The fleshy fruit of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are climacteric and, as such, ethylene plays a pivotal role in their ripening and quality traits. In this study, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, EMB1444-like, was found to induce the expression of YELLOW-FRUITED TOMATO 1 (YFT1), which encodes the SlEIN2 protein, a key element in the ethylene signaling pathway. Yeast one-hybrid and EMSA analyses revealed that EMB1444-like binds to the E-box motif (CACTTG, -1295 bp to -1290 bp upstream of the ATG start codon) of the YFT1 promoter (pYFT1). Suppression of EMB1444-like expression in tomato lines (sledl) using RNAi reduced ethylene production by lowering the expression of 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE SYNTHASE 2/4 (ACS2/4) and ACC OXIDASE1 (ACO1) in a positive feedback loop. sledl tomato also showed differences in numerous quality traits related to fruit ripening, compared with the wild type, such as delayed chromoplast differentiation, a decrease in carotenoid accumulation, and delayed fruit ripening in an ethylene-independent manner, or at least upstream of ripening mediated by YFT1/SlEIN2. This study elucidates the regulatory framework of fruit ripening in tomato, providing information that may be used to breed tomato hybrid cultivars with an optimal balance of shelf-life, durability, and high quality.