Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ENHANCED HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION IN TOMATO UNDER COLD AND CHILLING STRESS

Sujatha Patta, Alice K. Vari, B.S. Tomar and Balraj Singh

Abstract

The effective crossing period for tomato hybrid seed production of Pusa Hybrid-4 was doubled under protected condition of naturally ventilated green house compared to open field. Under protected condition, fruit set per cent was increased with the advance of crossing period and highest peak at February 2nd week (89%), later it gradually decreased and number of seed per fruit gradually increased with the advance of crossing period. No seed set observed under open field when minimum temperatures are less than 10oC and relative humidity less than 50 per cent. Seed produced from protected condition showed good seed quality with high germination (91) and seedling vigour index (1529 & 1701). The highest percent of fresh and ungerminated seeds (7.00) was observed in the protected condition from the early crossings. Better crop performace, the early flower initiation and extended flowering period was observed under protected condition.