Tomato seed collection technology
1. Seed Production of Conventional Varieties
To produce high-quality seeds for conventional tomato varieties, robust, disease-free plants that exhibit the characteristic traits of the variety are selected from the field. These plants should be isolated from other varieties by more than 10 meters to prevent cross-pollination. The second and third inflorescences of the selected plants are chosen, with four fruits per inflorescence being selected. Once the fruits are fully red and mature, they are harvested according to the variety's specific traits. After harvesting, the fruits are placed in an environment of about 23°C for 5 to 7 days. During this time, the seeds are extracted, allowed to ferment naturally for 3 days, and then washed and dried after removing the gelatinous coating.
2. Seed Production of Hybrid Varieties
When producing hybrid tomato seeds, it is important to select parent plants with specific traits. For early maturing varieties, the parents must also be early maturing. For high-yielding varieties, the parents should be high-yield. Most tomato flowers open in the morning and remain open for 4 to 5 days before wilting. The female flowers have a fertilization capability lasting 5 to 8 days, but the best pollination occurs during the first few days after opening.
The first step in hybrid seed production involves selecting the inflorescence and flowers. The second and third inflorescences are used, and 2 to 4 flowers close to the base of the inflorescence are selected for hybridization. Any flowers at the base or thin flowers on the upper part should be removed promptly to ensure successful cross-pollination.
The second step is emasculation. This process is performed when the petals are still elongating but before the pollen is mature. The male parts (anthers) are carefully removed using tweezers, while holding the base of the female flower with the left hand. It is essential to avoid damaging the ovary and stigma. After removal, the flower is immediately covered with an isolation bag to prevent unwanted pollination.
The third step involves collecting and preserving the pollen. When the father's flowers are open but have not yet released their pollen, the pollen is collected after the morning dew has dried. The method includes opening the flowers, drying them, and gently tapping them to release the pollen into a container. If the pollen sacs are still closed, they can be opened and tapped. The collected pollen can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two days.
The fourth step is pollination. Two to three days after emasculation, the female flower is fully open and secretes mucus on its stigma, indicating readiness for pollination. This process should be carried out on windless days between 8 and 10 am. First, the isolation bag is removed, then a brush is used to collect the pollen and apply it gently to the base of the female flower. Finally, the paper bag is replaced, and the date of pollination is marked.
The fifth step is seed harvesting. On the sixth day after pollination, the paper bag can be removed, and the seeds are marked. Harvesting occurs once the fruits are fully ripe and red.
By following these detailed steps, farmers and breeders can ensure the production of high-quality, genetically consistent tomato seeds, whether for conventional or hybrid varieties. Proper selection, isolation, and careful handling during each stage of the process are essential for success in seed production.
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