Extending the season? A gene from natural germplasm might facilitate year-round crops

摘要

Tomatoes can now be grown in greenhouses faster and year-round, thanks to a gene identified at the University of Guelph from natural germplasm. This gene will ultimately allow growers to take advantage of increased sales from year-round production, and get higher market value for their produce in the winter months. Prof. Barry Micallef of the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, along with his research team, identified the germplasm and discovered that it has a special gene called the extended photo-period gene. This allows it to thrive under 24-hour exposure to supplemental light, something other tomato cultivars haven't been able to do.