Wide Crosses in Solanaceae

[Weston Adams]

Hi all,

So, I've been doing a lot of research into interspecific and intergeneric hybridization within Solanaceae. Basically, the conclusion I've come to is that this family is quite resistant to hybridization. Typically, my philosophy of breeding is that I want to have some indication that my breeding efforts are "in the right ballpark." I like to reference previous research so that I know I've got a good chance of succeeding. But honestly with interspecific and intergeneric Solanaceae hybridization, it seems like a lot of "shooting in the dark"--especially when working with dissimilar species.

I've seen hybrids documented between very similar species. But I have yet to see ANY documentation of hybrids between eggplant x tomatoes, tomatillo x tomatoes, black nightshade x tomatoes, or any other crosses of largely dissimilar species.

Given all this...I have limited willingness to spend lots of time doing things that have a 0.01% chance of success. haha.  However, if I were to give it a try, I'd do the following. I'm curious if anybody here thinks this protocol would have merit.

1) I would ensure that I'm working with species of equal or very similar chromosome count. This might involve conducting a microscopic chromosome squash to guarantee determine for sure what chromosome numbers I was working with.

2) I'd use the mentor grafting procedure as a form of preliminary vegetative approximation. This would involve grafting plant A as a pupil on plant B, and then grafting plant B as a pupil on plant A. I would secure hybrid pupils wherever possible, and mentor the scion for an extended period of time.

3) I would utilize deactivated pollen in a careful mentor pollination program and conduct mentor pollinations in reciprocal directions.

4) I would consider using cut-style pollination (stump pollination)

5) I would make pollinations at the optimum temperatures. I'd probably shoot for around 70 degrees F.

6) I would consider using embryo rescue, but this could make the project quite complicated.

Using a protocol like this, would you all suspect that it would be possible to cross S. lycopersicum x Physalis? Or S. melongena x S. nigrum if chromosome counts were equal?

[Joseph Lofthouse]

Embryo rescue can be as simple as planting the seeds into a sterile growing media containing some sugar and minerals. Needed equipment can be as simple as a pressure cooker and a clear plastic tote. Chemicals and supplies are readily available on Amazon or eBay.

I am enamored by the [goji berry x tomato]

[Weston Adams]

Another thing I would do is to pollinate the first-opening flower in addition to the measures listed above