Softening, Pectolytic Activity, and Storage-life of rin and nor Tomato Hybrids1

Abstract

Abstract Fruits of tomato hybrids between the nonripening mutants rin and nor and a normal ripening cultivar, C17, ripen normally in terms of color and flavor. Compared to the normal ripening parent, the hybrids have delayed softening, lower pectolytic enzyme activities, and decreased solubilization of pectic substances. The nor mutant had a greater effect on these parameters than did rin in the heterozygous condition. Storage life of fruits produced from the nor hybrid was more than twice that of the normal parent. Utilization of nor heterozygotes to extend storage life would have a substantial impact on marketing of fresh tomatoes by reducing losses due to excessive softening.