Effect Of Tomato Interspecific Hybrid (F1) Rootstocks On Yield And Fruit Quality Traits

Biotic and abiotic stresses are serious problem for tomato production, which is the most produced vegetable both in Turkey and in the world. Rootstocks confer resistance to these biotic and abiotic stresses and are the most economical and environmentally friendly solution for sustainable tomato production. This study aimed to determine the effects of different interspecific rootstock candidates developed from crosses between the wild tomato species (S. habrochaites and S. penelli) and S. lycopersicum on yield and fruit quality. To achieve this aim, newly developed and control (Beaufort F₁, Arazi F₁, Amaron F₁, Kingkong F₁) rootstocks were grafted with Torry F₁ variety using tube grafting method. Grafted rootstocks were grown in a randomized block design with 3 replications and 20 plants in each replication. In this study, yield, plant and fruit characteristics, and grafting traits such as rootstock length (cm), rootstock thickness (cm), scion length (cm), scion thickness (cm), and number of leaves (number) were analyzed. Beaufort F₁ and Amaron F₁ cultivars had the highest yield with 6.95 and 6.61 kg plant⁻¹, while rootstocks developed in the present study (R19B-005 and R19B-015) yielded value of 6.24 and 6.22 kg plant⁻¹, respectively. Similar results were determined in terms of fruit weight, but there was no significant difference between fruit color values. In addition, disease resistance genes such as Frl, Mi, I‑2, Ty‑1, Ty‑3 and Sw‑5 were screened in the study. As result, rootstock candidates had the Frl, I2 and Mi genes. Recently developed interspecific hybrids can be used as rootstocks in tomato production.