Achievements and objectives for tomato breeding in Romania

Abstract

Tomatoes are the most important vegetable species, both în the world and in our country. In the last decades, the breeders have obtained hundreds of cultivars (open pollinated and hybrids) for growing in open field, plastic tunnels or glasshouse. In 1975-1990 period, at Research Institute for Vegetables and Flowers Growing were drawn up breeding teams that have achieved some new valuable cultivars. After 1990 year, breeding activity were decresed and only stayed at Research Station for Vegetable Buzău. Breeders of this station have obtained new outstanding cultivars with high yielding potential and good quality. For the future, it is necessary to form new teams well prepared and should more funds, with clear objectives in order to obtain new required cultivars for growers and consumers.The new cultivars have to be more resistent pathogens and adverse environmental conditions.