A team of more than 300 scientists from 14 countries have fully determined the genetic sequence of tomatoes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/scie...
http://www.nature.com/nature/j...

I'm not sure how far that documents the genetic variations in different varieties. I know that we've claimed to sequence "the human genome" without taking swabs from everyone on the planet! My guess is that they have a complete genetic sequence from one variety, and some data on different expressions of some genes.

They did compare "domestic tomato" to a wild cousin Solanum pimpinellifolium and found only 0.6% difference. They found 8% difference between and potato (Solanum tuberosum). For c omparison, humans and chimps are only 1.2% or 2.7% different.

The article claims that the sequence is likely to be used to assist conventional breeding, but not likely to trigger another attempt to market GMO tomatoes like the "FlavrSavr".

It suggested "pest resistance" while using fewer or less pesticides as one goal that will be facilitated. And perhaps "improved flavor" despite the natural non-ripening genes used to extend shelf life.

Also: "because some of the wild species come from desert locations, there are going to be genes we can breed in that will help mitigate climate change."

Great read Rick

Very interesting! Imagine Good BLT's year round, and winter tomatoes that you can enjoy! I can't wait.

I seem to remember promises from the '50s and '60s that "technology" would bring us an end to poverty, 20-hour work weeks, and personal helicopters and jet-packs.

Tasty store-bought tomatoes year-round ... that sounds even better than a jet-pack But my first choice would be and end to poverty, or even reduced unemployment. Probably human nature (as reflected in the economy) is even less manageable than tomato genetics.

I don't ever expect to hear that scientists have fully sequenced the human psyche!

I did not see mention where these crosses and those of the tetraploid were edible
Does anyone know for sure.before I start tinking with pollen
I also came across a site where triploids were mentioned
How can one get a triploid when the chromosome numbers are even[24] on both species
Genectics can be very confusing

I don't know.

>> Genetics can be very confusing

I take some perverse pleasure at the way plants seem determined to undermine every naming scheme or genus-species categorization. When I dug into Brassicas, almost everything used to be called something else, and the experts keep changing their minds even about what is or isn't the same species.

As if the plants were reading botany textbooks and laughing "Oh, THAT'S what you think, is it??!?? Well, analyze THIS!!". Then they go out and make some kind of wacky hybrid cross that contradicts whatever the most recent sytem was.

RickCorey said:I take some perverse pleasure at the way plants seem determined to undermine every naming scheme or genus-species categorization.

"Tomatoes, peanuts, corn, and strawberries seem to have little in common, with the exception that they are edible plants. Yet, they share a very unique trait, one that can be seen only with the power of a microscope—they are polyploids, meaning that they possess extra sets of chromosomes in the nuclei of their cells. Between 50 and 70 percent of the world’s flowering plants are believed to be polyploids." Read the whole fascinating article at http://www.britannica.com/blog...

Sounds like a lot of plants already have the ability to become triploids or even hexaploids. They just have to be in the mood. Those first naturalists didn't have electronic microscopes and had to rely on morphology.

They go both ways - all three ways - all SIX ways!

I'm in awe. And somewhat intimidated.

I think I'm going to invest in loots of floating row covers, just so I don't6 have to see what-all is goling on under there.

RickCorey said:I think I'm going to invest in loots of floating row covers, just so I don't6 have to see what-all is goling on under there.

But then you'd be putting them in convents or monasteries . What about the pollinators most of them need to do all that hanky-panky? Let 'em get on with it... you might find yourself w/ the world's best tasting, most disasese resistant, productive tomato.

At least I'll leave the row ends open so the bees can get in. Just avedrt my gaze.

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