Organic Tomato Breeding For Arthropod Resistance With A Focus On Protected Cultivation: A Planning Proposal

Activities supported by this planning proposal will underpin submission of an integrated research and education proposal aimed at organic breeding of tunnel tomatoes for resistance to insects and mites. A 1.5-day planning meeting will take place in late fall of 2015 or early winter, 2016. Organic producers of protected cultivation tomatoes from the northeast, north central, and south east regions will attend the meeting, as will members of umbrella organizations (MOSES, Georgia Organics, NOFA, SSAWG) and organizations involved in seed production (RAFI, Organic Seed Alliance and Johnnyfs). The planning meeting, led by a professional facilitator will likely center on phenotypic definition of potential breeding end products, including plant form, fruit color, flavor, etc. as well as prioritization of arthropod pest problems. Other issues and guidance may arise from this meeting, as expressed by the stakeholders. Additionally this group will provide guidance in transitioning the breeding program from conventional to organic production. Members of the planning group will likely serve on an advisory panel, assuming the research and education proposal is funded. Additional planning will take place, through phone interviews with plant breeders to strengthen breeding research and with educators in organic and sustainable agriculture education programs.