Equi-Nom Ltd.

Vilmorin & Cie

Gil Shalev

Oron Gar

Arie Zackay

Varda Ashkenazi

The invention relates to sesame genetics and breeding. Specifically, the invention relates to genetic improvement for shatter resistant capsules. More specifically, the invention relates to novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring shatter resistant capsules, and methods thereof, including methods for introgressing the novel QTL into elite germplasm in a breeding program for shatter resistant capsules.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with shatter resistant capsules in sesame and uses thereof

Methods and hybrid seed are provided which involve growing two varieties of a field crop which is at least partially cross-pollinated in the field, wherein the two varieties are fertile with respect to both male and female functions, are selected to yield specified hybrid(s), and are distinguishable with respect to seed characteristic(s). Collected seed from the grown field crop are separated into fractions with respect to the seed characteristic, wherein at least one fraction is of hybrid seeds of the specified hybrid(s). For example, the separated fraction may be intermediate with respect to the seed characteristic(s) between seed fractions of the non-hybridized two varieties. Respective varieties may be bred to yield hybrids with required traits, which are distinguishable from the parent varieties through seed characteristic(s) such as size, weight or optical parameters that enable sorting out the hybrids from the overall crop.

Production of hybrid seeds lot using natural pollination

The present invention discloses a tomato plant exhibiting a branching inflorescence phenotype. The aforementioned plant produces statistically significant high yield of mature fruits having the characteristics of average individual fruit weight or average individual fruit brix levels or a combination thereof, similar to fruits produced by a tomato line that is used as the normally branched parent line of said tomato plant. It is also within the scope of the present invention to disclose methods for producing the aforementioned tomato plants and uses thereof.

Growing community of inventors

Ramot Mehir, Israel

Gil Shalev