future hybrid projects?

[johno]

This dwarf project is starting to take shape to me after weeks of reading a bit now and then. Very interesting, except that I'm more interested in giants...

So, I am wondering what projects might be looming in the future?

[nctomatoman]

Well, go for it! I haven't tried the art of crossing....but if you are looking for biggies, Cuostralee X Mortgage Lifter could be interesting!

[johno]

Yeah, that could make a big one!

I'm not making a suggestion, though - just wondering if there are any plans brewing?

If not, what are some suggestions?

I haven't tried crossing before, either, but I'm eager to learn.

[jackdaniel]

Sounds like an idea for a new project page to me! The "Giant" Project!

[TZ-OH6]

I wonder what would be better, crossing large varieties only or mixing in varieties that tend to put out mega blooms.

[travis]

Varieties with genetically extra large fruit, yellow epidermis and fasciated flowers is what you'd want to start with. You could use pink varieties, with clear epidermis, so long as you cross to a parent with yellow epidermis to obtain more elastic skin. The Mountain Series has some jumbo parent lines but the blossoms are not fasciated so seldom produce fused/multiple ova.

[jackdaniel]

Originally Posted by travis

Varieties with genetically extra large fruit, yellow epidermis and fasciated flowers is what you'd want to start with. You could use pink varieties, with clear epidermis, so long as you cross to a parent with yellow epidermis to obtain more elastic skin. The Mountain Series has some jumbo parent lines but the blossoms are not fasciated so seldom produce fused/multiple ova.

What's the theory behind this? What's the reasoning?

I'm trying to wrap my head around the whole breeding, genetics, crossing thing, but it's like a career's worth of education. Science was not my best subject. Thanks!

[travis]

Well obviously you want to start with extra large fruit. That's just a step up right out of the chute.

Then most of the record tomatoes seem to be those grown from "mega-blooms" which are two or more blossoms fused together at the ova. Fasciated blossoms are more common with some varieties, so you want to concentrate on those types.

The reason I mention yellow epidermis is because it is more elastic than clear epidermis and you increase your chances of fruit with fewer splits and cracks that might lead to deterioration before harvest and weigh-in.

[jackdaniel]

VERY interesting... good assumptions thae way you explained it. Never hard of the mega-blooms, and the dermis idea is intriguing. Thanks.

[travis]

Late night reading: http://www.genetics.org/cgi/content/full/158/1/413