Seven nearly isogenic tomato hybrids, except for their genotypic constitutions in loci norª/nor, rin, og c and hp, were tested for fruit yield and quality traits along the parental background lines FloraDade and Mosporist and two commercial rin+/rin tomato hybrids (Carmen F1 and Chronos F1). The role of the different genotypic backgrounds on these fruit traits was also studied. The genotypes were tested using a randomized complete block design with four replicates and ten plants per plot. The genotypic constitutions nor+/nor or rin+/rin had no effect on yield related traits. The genotype nor+/norª decreased fruit mass mean. Genotypes nor+/norª, nor+/nor and rin+/rin delayed the loss of fruit firmness and the development of color. The relative size of the peduncular scar was not affected by these genotypes. The constitution og c+/og c hp+/hp contributed for higher yield and higher fruit mass in the nor+/norª hybrid. Fruit firmness and external color in og c+/og c hp+/hp remained unaffected by nor+/norª. In og c+/og c hp+/hp fruit, early yield was reduced and shelf life was improved by nor+/norª. Genotypic backgrounds and the interaction background x ripening mutant genes must be taken into consideration when developing new tomato long-shelf life hybrids.
Lycopersicon esculentum; hybrids; post-harvest shelf life; firmness; plant breeding
