Low Temperature Germination of Tomato Seeds

Author

Dawn M. Gatherum, Utah State University

Date of Award:

5-1972

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Plants, Soils, and Climate

Department name when degree awarded

Botany

Committee Chair(s)

Orson S. Cannon

Committee

Orson S. Cannon

Committee

W. S. Boyle

Committee

W. H. Dewey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of inheritance of low temperature germination of tomato. This was accomplished by crossing a tomato (P.I. 341988) that germinates at a low temperature (10 C) with a commercial mechanical harvest cultivar (VF 145-B-7879). The parents, F₁, F_2, and F₃ progenies were tested for low temperature germination responses at 10 C for 15 days. The results show that a single recessive gene is responsible for the low temperature germination character.

Also, a study of the seed coat thickness of the tomatoes VF 145-B-7879 and P.I. 341988 was undertaken to determine the possible link of seed coat thickness to low temperature germination. A definite difference in seed coat thickness was noted, but more study will need to be done to determine the exact role the seed coat plays in low temperature germination.

The gene symbol "ltg" will be used to indicate low temperature germination.

Checksum

9b5d830a61b51aa9896c863c688d07c0

Recommended Citation

Gatherum, Dawn M., "Low Temperature Germination of Tomato Seeds" (1972). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 8351.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/8351