EARLY-GENERATION TESTING FOR FRUIT MATURITY AND SIZE IN TOMATO CROSSES
Individual F2 tomato plant data in a scatter diagram were used to select segregants for early maturity combined with large fruit size. Selections which were tested in the F3 in replicated and progeny-row tests were carried through to a comparative test in the F5. The relationship of fruit maturity and fruit size in the F2 and F3 indicated that F3 replicated tests using individual plant data are of considerable value in the early selection of superior lines. The F3 performance also provided an indication of the performance of subsequent generations thus permitting immediate decision as to further crossing selfing. The progeny-row test was not sufficiently critical to maintain high selection standards or to provide a reliable indication of the performance of subsequent progenies.