Studies on the Carotenoid Constitution of Various Tomato Strains

Part II. Carotenoid contents of various hybrid strains separated from the cross of Beta orange and Red strain

Abstract

The experimental results of the F₂ hybrid of Red strain r⁺r⁺B⁺B⁺ crossed with Beta orange strain r⁺r⁺BB were observed, as to genetical segregation ratio, and examined along with their carotenoid contents. Furthermore, F₃ progenies were analysed for identification of carotenoid contents.
Following results were obtained;
(1) For the F₂ hybrid, β-carotene of Red strain r⁺r⁺B⁺B⁺ contained 3-6, Intermediate Beta r⁺r⁺B⁺B contained 20-35, High Beta r⁺r⁺BB contained 50-70μg/g fresh fruit.
(2) The Yellow colored skins(F₁, heterozygous) of tomato were genetically segregated into yellow colored skin and colorless skin in F₂ progenies as being independent of the carotenoid contents.
(3) In the maturing stages of F₂ hybrids, β-carotene was found in the degree of 0.1-2.0μg/g at first stage (early mature green stage) but at nearly late mature green stage, β-carotene increased. rapidly in the Intermediate Beta and High Beta. In the Red strain β-carotene increased at the late mature green stage in a small amount. Lycopene of the Red and Intermediate Beta increased rapidly at the late mature green stage, but for the High Beta, lycopene content was very small at the mature green stage. γ-Carotene was found at the late mature green stage and gradually increased in slight amount until the mature stage.