SAHARA F1, AN INDETERMINATE TOMATO HYBRID SUITABLE FOR CULTIVATION IN VIRUS CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT

Tomato cultivation is restricted due to temperature extremes coupled with susceptibility to diseases, especially viruses. This leads to the erratic tomato availability in Pakistan. Breeding initiatives sought to overcome such problems, resulting in an indigenously developed indeterminate tomato hybrid named Sahara F1 approved by the Punjab Seed Council for general cultivation during 2021. This hybrid is suitable for cultivation in virus conducive environment. The seedlings of this hybrid experienced raising under an insect net and transplanting in the open around the end of September during autumn, in contrast to previous practice of transplanting around the end of November. During the span of six years-from 2015-16 to 2020-21-various studies related to fruit yield, fruit nutrition, virology, pathology, and entomology ensued in virus prevailing conditions. Sahara F1 proved itself better than the commercial hybrid in almost all respect, especially resistance against viral diseases. Moreover, its fruit shape, size, and shelf life are appealing for the consumers. The inclusion of the Sahara F1 in the tomato production scenario of Pakistan will certainly help stabilize the supply and prices of tomato during the lean period.