Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi-12
The purpose of the study was to transfer the genes for resistance against virus and other diseases from wild to cultivated varieties of tomato and to examine the efficacy of different techniques in overcoming crossability barrier. It has been attempted to produce interspecific hybrids between Lycopersicon esculentum and two wild species L. peruvianum and L. glandulosum. The techniques used were grafting, pollen irradiation, hormone treatment and mixed pollination. Eighteen hybrids were obtained from five different interspecific crosses. Details of the F1, F2, and F3 generations are presented here. A number of rather promising selections showing greater resistance against virus and other diseases, along with enhanced vigour and higher yield, have been made. A few climbers, dwarfs, and plants with potato-leaf variation were also observed. The grafting technique was found to be most efficacious for overcoming the crossability barrier.
