O.P. Seed Production in Tomato, Fruit Production and Harvesting

Crop Management
Seed Production of O.P. Tomato Lines

Fruit Production and Harvesting

The number of hybrid fruits produced per plant depends on the fruit size of the maternal parent. As a rule of thumb, maintain the following: 30 fruits for large-fruited parent; 40 fruits for medium-fruited parent; and 50 or more fruits for small-fruited parent.

Keep the fruits on the vine until they are fully mature, preferably to the pink or red ripe stage. This enables the seed to develop normally and fully. If fruits are harvested at an earlier stage, place them in a covered, cool dry place for 3 or 4 days until they become red ripe.

Collect fruits in nonmetallic containers, such as nylon net bags, plastic buckets, or crates. Metal containers may react with acids in the tomato juice and affect seed viability. Hence, they should not be used.