O.P. Seed Production in Tomato, Special Cultural Practices

Crop Management
Seed Production of O.P. Tomato Lines

Special Cultural Practices

	Overview Healthy plants produce healthy seeds. Pests should be controlled. Nutrient and water management should be optimal to achieve good fruit and seed yield. Staking is generally recommended. For more information on growing tomato, see AVRDC International Cooperators’ Guide, Suggested Cultural Practices for Tomato.

	Removing Off-Types The male and female lines must be 100% pure. Know the plant habit, leaf type, immature fruit characters (shape, size, green vs. uniform shoulder) of each parent. Regularly inspect the plants. Remove any off-type (usually inferior) or virus-infected plants before hybridization procedures begin. Symptoms of viruses that attack tomato include yellow mottling of leaves; severe curling, cupping or other distortion of foliage; and stunting of plants.