Overview of the Genetics and Breeding of Husk Tomato

Abstract

In husk tomato, Physalis ixocarpa Brot., a wide range of self-incompatibility phenotypes was observed upon self-pollination. Self-incompatibility seems to be a polygenic trait of low heritability, affected by inbreeding depression and by environment. Organ coloration and leaf serration also were found to be polygenic traits. The chromosomes of this species are characterized by conspicuous heterochromatic knobs which would facilitate identification of each pair. Attempts to hybridize P. ixocarpa with P. floridiana L. and P. peruviana L. were unsuccessful. Propagation by cuttings is readily attainable in P. ixocarpa and might be useful for growing and intercrossing field selections in isolation plots.