TOMATO HYBRIDS RESISTANT TO NEMATODES

Abstract

The state of Morelos is important in the production of tomato in Me xico, but its soil is infested with root nodular nematodes (Meloido ­gyne incognita), causing reductions in the yield from 50 to 70 per cent in infested areas. Of the material tested for resistence to nema­todes the "Piernita" variety has been found to be resistant, but its yield is less than that of the commercial varieties under conditions 
of non-infested soil; the resistant character is monogenic and dominant. The project consisted in developing hybrids, crossing the Ma­napal, Homestead Elite, Homestead 61, Florodel, Culiacan 1 and Indian River varieties with the Piernita variety. The resulting hybrids were planted in an observation plot with five replications, placing in adyacent rows the hybrid and its female parent for comparison. Results showed hybrids to be earlier from three to e ight days at the beginning of production, greater vigor in the plant and an increase in the size of the fruit, under conditions of non-infestation. This work demonstrates the possihility of obtaining an F₁ hybrid for commercial production with resistance to nematodes.