Use of functional male sterility in seed production of tomato hybrids

The aim of our research is the elaboration of a simple method of tomato hybrid seed production at the development of hybrids F₁ (common and parthenocarpic) on the basis of functional male sterility for ecological conditions of Belarus. The results of study of tomato flowering biology are discussed. The optimal term for pollination without emasculation of functional male sterile forms Z-313 and B-3-1-8 is the 3-6-th days and parthenocarpic functional male sterile forms B-2-2, B-2-5, B-2-6, ą-3, ą-4, Z-1-3 — the 2-4-th days after the phase of yellow-green bud. Forms with short pistil (C-9464, C-3-1, ą-2) may be used in hybrid seed production after the removal of filaments directly before pollination. The existence of a marker gene (potato leaf) gives a good possibility to reject non-hybrid seedlings.