Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Volume LXI
Written by Bianca ZAMFIR, Dorel HOZA, Costel VÎNĂTORU, Viorica LAGUNOVSCHI, Camelia BRATU, Elena BĂRCANU
Concerns on tomato breeding at V.R.D.S. Buzău existed since the institution settlement, in 1957. Over time, Breeding Laboratory created valuable tomato varieties with a well-defined genetic constitution, appreciated by growers and consumers. Many old varieties, created between 1970-1980 (ex. 'Buzău 1600’, 'Buzău 22’, 'Buzău 47’) were kept genetically pure being on high demand nowadays. After 1996, the Breeding Laboratory restarted intensive research on tomato breeding. Particular attention was paid to purchase genotypes, accessions, varieties, local populations and foreign genotypes with the aim of forming a solid germplasm collection. Secondly, the germplasm collection that is steadily growing, currently reaching over 1500 genotypes, was evaluated, distributed on two fields, collection field and work field. Particular attention regarding the assessment was given to the genetic stability and type of plant growth. In terms of genetic stability, cultivars evaluated were grouped as: stable, advanced and segregating. Concerning the type of growth SP gene expressivity was followed and genotypes were grouped as follows: genotypes with indeterminate growth (SP +) semi determinate genotypes (Sp) and determinate genotypes (sp). Up to now, breeding works were completed with the approval of new genotypes and their widespread as cultivated crop. Among the recently approved cultivars are: 'Siriana’ F1, 'Kristinica’, 'Darsirius’, 'Chihlimbar’, 'Florina’, 'Ema de Buzău’, and for pending approval 'Măriuca’, A 80 ('Estera’), A 2000 ('Bizon’), A 28 ('Hera’). Genetically stable accessions were tested through general and specific combining ability in order to develop new hybrids.
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