Tomato cultivars with virus tolerance in Central América

Executive Summary

Tomato cultivation has great relevance in Central America, it is planted by some 53,000 small (0.5 ha) and medium (up to 5 ha) scale producers on about 12,000 ha. They achieve low yields that oscillate between 9 and 27 t / ha. The high incidence of Begomoviruses, transmitted by the whitefly (Bemicia tabaci) negatively affects fruit yields and quality, which is presumed to be linked to the limited variability of cultivars with tolerance genes. Management of these viruses is the main goal of the project, given that the genetic basis for identifying tolerance or resistance is unfortunately narrow. 

There is also a narrow genetic variability in local tomato populations, despite this, this variability is a reservoir of genes to counter disease and physiological problems of the crop, as well as some desirable characteristics such as content of vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, etc. As a product of the project, there is now a collection of more than 200 local and wild cultivars collected in the five countries, which were phenotypically and genotypically characterized in order to expand options for future genetic improvement work. 

The project offers the possibility of contributing to improving tomato productivity by incorporating new commercial varieties based on the genetic resources identified and validated in this initiative. 

The technological solution

The technological solution can be summarized as the collection, genotypic and phenotypic characterization and the identification of tolerance or resistance to the Begomoviruses transmitted to the tomato crop by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). From this selection of superior genetic material, 5 promising cultivars were identified, which provide the basis for incorporating tolerance or resistance to the new tomato varieties that will be generated in the region. The whitefly is one of the most important insect pests in Central America and they have the ability to transmit different types of viruses to different crops, for this reason the technological solution that the project has sought is the genetic pathway. 

Results

Beneficiaries

The main beneficiaries of the project are the national programs responsible for generating superior tomato genetic resources. The environment also receives benefits since the tolerance or genetic resistance achieved means less use of synthetic chemicals. Finally, consumers will get the benefit of having healthier and better quality tomatoes 

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors