Improved Tomato Lines: Muchamiel, De la Pera, Cherry and Virus-Resistant Hybrids
Several improved lines of Muchamiel, De la pera, Cherry and hybrids with genetic resistance to ToMV, TSWV and TYLCV have been obtained, three of the viruses that most affect tomato crops in south-eastern Spain.
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TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
As part of the Traditional Tomato Variety Improvement Programme being developed at CIAGRO-UMH since 1998, several lines of Muchamiel, De la pera, Cherry and hybrids with genetic resistance to some of the most important viral diseases affecting tomato crops in south-eastern Spain have been obtained: Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). The new lines obtained have agronomic, quality and functional characteristics similar to those of the original traditional varieties, together with resistance to ToMV and TSWV and tolerance to TYLCV. The following table details the resistance of each of the lines obtained:
| Line or hybrid | Varietal type | Resistance genotype |
| ToMV-TYLCV-TSWV | ||
| UMH 1200 | Muchamiel | RR – RR – RR |
| UMH 1203 | De la pera | RR – RR – RR |
| UMH 1422 | De la pera | RR -ss-ss |
| UMH 1139 | Muchamiel | RR -ss – RR |
| UMH 1415 | De la pera | RR -ss- RR |
| UMH 1101xIF | Muchamiel hybrid | Rs – Rs – Rs |
| UMH 1353 | De la pera | RR -ss – RR |
| UMH 1354 | De la pera | RR -ss- RR |
| UMH 1209 | De la pera moruno | RR – RR – RR |
| UMH 1400 | Cherry | RR – RR – RR |
| UMH 1401 | Cherry | RR -ss- RR |
| UMH 1402 | Cherry | RR – ss – RR |
| UMH 1200xBFT | Muchamiel hybrid | Rs – Rs – Rs |
| UMH 1200xCG | Muchamiel hybrid | Rs – Rs – Rs |
| R: resistance or tolerance allele. s: susceptibility allele | ||
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
These virus-resistant lines and hybrids are of interest for:
- Direct cultivation by farmers and companies, as the viruses are widespread throughout south-eastern Spain.
- They are also of great interest for organic farming, where controlling virus vectors is more difficult.
- Use in breeding programmes carried out by seed companies.
ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS
The Muchamiel and De la pera improved lines and hybrids obtained at CIAGRO-UMH are the only ones to have incorporated genes for resistance or tolerance to viruses (ToMV, TYLCV and TSWV), three of the most important viruses affecting tomato cultivation in south-eastern Spain.
These lines make it possible to obtain good tomato yields with high organoleptic and functional quality.
Cultivating varieties with genetic resistance to viruses makes it possible to reduce the number of phytosanitary treatments required to control virus vectors (the whitefly Bemisia tabaci for TYLCV and the thrips Frankiniela occidentalis for TSWV).
The improved lines and hybrids are registered with the Spanish Office of Plant Variety Rights.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
The improved lines and hybrids are registered, and seeds are available for each and every one of them. Most of the lines have been cultivated on a small scale, both on experimental farms (universities and research centres) and on commercial farms operated by companies and farmers, mainly in Alicante and Murcia.
APPLICATION SECTORS
- Agri-Food Sector (Fruit and Vegetable Production).
- Seed Industry and Plant Biotechnology.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Santiago García Martínez – University Institute for Research and Innovation in Agri-Food and Environmental Sciences (CIAGRO)