University of Florida scientists are leveraging data from residential gardeners across 41 states to enhance the flavor of tomatoes through a citizen science program. Denise Tieman, a UF/IFAS research associate professor of horticultural sciences, and her team are collecting insights on preferred tomato varieties and their cultivation methods. This feedback is instrumental in their research, encompassing diverse growing conditions such as pots, soil, hydroponics, and organic methods.
Jessica Chitwood-Brown in a greenhouse. Courtesy, UF/IFAS.
At the Florida Tomato Conference, Tieman and Jessica Chitwood-Brown, an assistant professor, discussed the UF/IFAS breeding efforts. They are currently promoting 'Improved Garden Gem,' 'Improved Garden Treasure,' 'Improved Garden Ruby,' and 'Improved BW hybrid' cultivars. These selections evolve annually based on new developments and gardener preferences. The initiative aims not only to refine home-garden varieties but also to enhance commercial tomato flavors through genetic and biochemical insights, bypassing the need for costly analysis by employing DNA analysis to identify favorable flavor traits.
Chitwood-Brown, stationed at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in the heart of Florida's tomato production region, highlighted the UF/IFAS tomato breeding program's century-long history and its recent focus on addressing industry challenges. By incorporating grower feedback, the program strives to produce cultivars that satisfy both industry and consumer demands.