Re: [tomato] green zebra developer?
Terra Viva Organics (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Tue, 16 Jan 2001 20:06:23 -0800
Tom,
Can I ask what is required for you to be able to release a new variety? Is
there an extensive registration system?
I have been working in the seed industry for the last 6 years and it always
interests me where and how new varieties are developed.
I do know of a great tomato seed multiplier in California in case you'd like
your variety grown out for sale.
Arzeena
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----- Original Message -----
From: <Thoswagner@aol.com>
To: <Tomato@GlobalGarden.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 4:53 PM
Subject: Re: [tomato] green zebra developer?
> In a message dated 1/16/01 10:35:21 AM Pacific Standard Time,
> Shantihhh@aol.com writes:
>
> <<
> Aren't you the one we have to thank for developing the Green Zebra?
>
> Mary-Anne
> SF Bay Area
> >>
> Yes, I released the GREEN ZEBRA in my catalog called the Tater Mater
> Seeds initially in 1983. Since I have been breeding tomatoes since 1954,
the
> variety is a result of nearly 25 years of breeding, selecting, breeding,
> selecting, etc. The composite of four heirloom varieties went into the
mix.
> I have done tens of thousands of different crosses in my life and I set
out
> from the get go to achieve exactly what I wanted in the case of the GREEN
> ZEBRA. I had hundeds of F-4 progeny lines and finally settled in on a
> selection I wrote down as the 60% stripe version. I had 5%, !0%, 40%, and
> 80% green stripe clones. I grew out the segregating lines until they were
> true breeding and all the while selected for flavor, size, shape,
production
> and whatnot with two generations each year with the aid of a small lean-to
> greenhouse. I was constantly searching for a bit of tang in the
greenhouse
> and in the field, and boy, did I get it. The only version of mine that
was
> released was this line but I have many of the older selections yet.
>
> I have since then developed many hundreds of green zebra types, in
all
> sizes, shapes, flavors, plant habits, and I hope to someday release them
too.
> I have yet to find someone to help me do this. The market and gardeners
> don't know what they are missing not having these new lines to try out. I
> have done flavor tests in limited areas and the public goes crazy about
them.
> They all ask, "When can we get some seeds of these new ones?" I just
tell
> them, "Maybe never!"
>
> In my local grocery store, they are selling GREEN ZEBRA tomatoes for
> $4.99 per pound! And to think that I have much better ones available.
No
> seed company will work out details that benefit me to release them through
> them, so I am still waiting.
>
> I welcome comments.
>
> Tom of Bakersfield
>