Inheritance of Low Temperature Seed Sprouting in Tomato1

Abstract

Abstract The inheritance of low temperature seed sprouting ability in tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) was found to be polygenic with dominance for inability to germinate at suboptimal temperatures. A minimum of 3 genes is suggested from F 2 data and a minimum of 5 genes from backcross results. Broad sense heritability was estimated at 97%; narrow sense heritability, at 66%. Genes controlling determinate, brachytic, and dwarf habits of growth had no significant effect upon subsequent low temperature sprouting response in the F 2 generation. Significant differences in ability to germinate at low temperatures were found among reciprocal F 1 ’s.