The formation of complex hybrids between Lycopersicon esculentum and L. peruvianum, and their potential use in promoting interspecific gene transfer.

An attempt has been made to construct a genetic bridge between the cultivated tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum and its wild relatives L. peruvianum and L. chilense. A complex interspecific hybrid genotype SB 2 has been assembled which shows strong sexual compatibility with both L. esculentum and L. chilense, and a rather weaker degree of compatibility with one specific race of L. peruvianum. The crossing relations of a hybrid between SB 2 and L. peruvianum have also been investigated. This hybrid retains a high level of sexual compatibility with L. esculentum and only shows a slight increase in its ability to set seed on the L. peruvianum parent.