Evaluation of Fsub(1) hybrids incorporating the rin (ripening inhibitor) gene to improve the storage life and fruit quality of fresh market tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Abstract

Four new F1 hybrids which incorporate the ripening inhibitor (rin) tomato mutation were compared with standard commercial tomato cultivars, including Flora-Dade, for the fresh market in New South Wales and Victoria. The rin gene, in the heterozygous condition, delayed the start of ripening by a few days, increased the interval between breaker and full ripe from 5 to 7 days compared with commercial cultivars, and increased the storage life of ripe fruits from 28 to 40 days at 20¦C. There were no significant differences between the level of red colour developed by the rin hybrids and reference tomatoes; however, the rin hybrid fruits took 4 days longer to reach full red colour. The fruits of rin hybrid were as firm as the reference tomatoes when picked at breaker and stored at 20¦C for 6 days. However, rin hybrid fruits were significantly (P<0.05) firmer than those of reference tomatoes when harvested at a full ripe stage. Of the 4 rin hybrids tested, HRAS 87-70, which showed the most promise, was released in February 1990 as 'Red Centre'.