Hybrid tomato varieties have many advantages compared to open-pollinated varieties. Hybrids usually produce higher yields. They generally mature earlier and more uniformly. Many hybrids have better fruit quality and disease resistance. With all of these advantages, many farmers prefer to sow hybrid seeds in spite of the higher seed costs.

The demand for hybrid tomato seeds can open a new market for growers interested in seed production. This is good news ... but hybrid tomato seed production is not easy.

First, it requires much labor, especially during the time of making crosses. To be more specific, it requires 2-3 trained persons working for 5-6 weeks for every 0.1 ha of indeterminate female plants, or 4-6 trained persons working for 3 weeks on the same area of determinate female plants. Fortunately, the availability of labor is not a significant problem in developing countries.

Second, it requires the mastery of special skills and a close attention to detail. This tutorial will teach these skills.