STATE OF THE TOMATO BREEDING FOR PROCESSING IN BULGARIA

A short historical review of the tomato breeding for processing in Bulgaria is presented. The most widely used tomato cultivars (Bulgarian and commercial selection) in the production during the past (1990-2002) years are given. Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the cultivars is made. The requirements for new tomato cultivars based on the climate and the complex of important characters that determine their suitability for processing are described. A short characterization of the latest Bulgarian tomato cultivars, suitable for processing is presented. Development directions of tomato breeding for processing are under consideration. The potential role of genetic engineering and molecular selection in the development of tomato breeding for processing is given.