Micro-tomato crosses

[ChrisK]

I think micro-tom has three (d, sp and mnt), as an example. All contribute to the micro qualities. I haven't paid too much attention to the determinate trait though now that I think about it.

[ChrisK]

On their way in today's mail. I sent the "micro-multiflora" cross. 30-40 F3 seeds maybe. Grow as many as you can/want. I believe it should be fixed for the micro and multiflora traits. Please post pix and notes in this thread when appropriate!

Chris

Originally Posted by dfollett

I am not new to tomatoes, but am new to crossing and to micro-tomatoes. I made a few crosses in the garden this summer and am going to grow out several F1s inside this winter to have a jump on next summer. I would love to try some. I should have room for quite a few 6-8" pots. I'd be happy to report back results and return seed for anything that you have interest in. If interested, I'll send SASE for seed if needed.

[Darren Abbey]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

I think micro-tom has three (d, sp and mnt), as an example. All contribute to the micro qualities. I haven't paid too much attention to the determinate trait though now that I think about it.

I tend to consider the determinate/indeterminate (sp) trait as distinct from the dwarfing traits, though it does assist in producing a small plant. I had assumed the 'sd' trait was involved in micro-tom/red-robin/tiny-tim, as it isn't associated with reduced flowering/yield seen with the 'mnt' trait.

It would be simple to confirm the genes involved in different micro lines are the same (as differences in causal genes would result in F1s showing much larger growth due to compensation), but confirming the traits are due to specific reported genes would require the slightly harder task of finding one of the research lines in which those genes were identified.

[ChrisK]

I am not sure it's actually been proven that Micro-Tom caries mnt.

Originally Posted by Darren Abbey

I tend to consider the determinate/indeterminate (sp) trait as distinct from the dwarfing traits, though it does assist in producing a small plant. I had assumed the 'sd' trait was involved in micro-tom/red-robin/tiny-tim, as it isn't associated with reduced flowering/yield seen with the 'mnt' trait.

It would be simple to confirm the genes involved in different micro lines are the same (as differences in causal genes would result in F1s showing much larger growth due to compensation), but confirming the traits are due to specific reported genes would require the slightly harder task of finding one of the research lines in which those genes were identified.

[Fusion_power]

I have a line derived from Besser that appears to be a single gene. The plants grow like miniature christmas trees about 12 to 14 inches tall. It is interesting because most of the micro varieties I've seen sprawl where this one is erect.

[dfollett]

Received them yesterday. Thanks. Will keep you posted. Going to try to grow 15 or so initially.

[ChrisK]

I've sent out a few packets now. Anyone else interested in a winter growout? A sunny window and a promise to send back seed is all that is required.

I'm keen to keep working on the micro-multiflora right now but have plenty of others at various stages as well. PM me, if interested!

[KarenO]

I can't grow on a large scale at all Chris, but I am missing my garden and greenhouse and was thinking about growing some micros under lights over winter indoors. I don't have seed for any good ones though, just tiny Tim and red robin. I'd love some seed and I'd be happy to report to you on how they do
Karen

[heirloomtomaguy]

So i got 15 seeds in some media today of the F4RRSUF3-11 hopefully all of them germinate. Chris can you tell me more about the variety you sent me?

[ChrisK]

Sorry, thought I did! Those are F4 seed of (Red Robin x Sungold F1) F3 plant #11

That F3 was a compact plant with dark orange fruit, finely cut leaves and the Sungold leaf smell. I would use that smell as a marker for any of the F4 plants you save. Select for the smallest plants, too!

Originally Posted by heirloomtomaguy

So i got 15 seeds in some media today of the F4RRSUF3-11 hopefully all of them germinate. Chris can you tell me more about the variety you sent me?

[heirloomtomaguy]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

Sorry, thought I did! Those are F4 seed of (Red Robin x Sungold F1) F3 plant #11

That F3 was a compact plant with dark orange fruit, finely cut leaves and the Sungold leaf smell. I would use that smell as a marker for any of the F4 plants you save. Select for the smallest plants, too!

Right on the packet did say f4 and mentioned sungold other than that i wad clueless. Im on the search for the sungold smelling micro plant Cant wait to get some germination happening. If by chance some dont germinate i will just plant more......maybe i will just plant more anyway. Thanks

[ChrisK]

Fresh seeds so should get nearly 100% germ. within a week or so.

That F3 plant was good enough to cross to my variegated line and an antho line. Looking forward to what you get out of the F4!

Originally Posted by heirloomtomaguy

Right on the packet did say f4 and mentioned sungold other than that i wad clueless. Im on the search for the sungold smelling micro plant Cant wait to get some germination happening. If by chance some dont germinate i will just plant more......maybe i will just plant more anyway. Thanks

[heirloomtomaguy]

Hey Chris is that a little antho i spy on the f3 pic you posted?

[ChrisK]

No. That plant was crossed with an antho line so wont show until the later generations.

[kayrobbins]

I had decided to cut back on the number of varieties I grow but I keep going back to this post. I have become very fond of the dwarfs and I would lie to try growing some. Right now my tomato plants are loaded with tomatoes but it is suppose to be in the 30s for two night next week.

I start my spring crop in late December since I can plant them out at the end of February. If I had these seeds I could start now. I have 7 shelves of grow lights and only have four in use at the moment.