TOMATO FRUIT-SET AT HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURES

Abstract

The effects of 10, 12.8, 18.3, and 26.7 C temperatures on flower production, fruit-set and size, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and the height of stigma in the antheridial cone was determined in tomato lines selected for ability to set fruit at high or low temperatures. Low fruit-set at 10 and 12.8 C was due primarily to poor pollen viability and germination, and to a lesser extent to high stigma position in the antheridial cone. At 26.7 C, the high level of the stigma in the antheridial cone was the main factor reducing fruit-set but the low stigma receptivity was a factor in some selections.