INHERITANCE OF FRUIT CLUSTER CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH SIZE AND UNIFORMITY OF FRUIT

This study investigated the inheritance of morphological inflorescence characteristics associated with fruit size in ‘Pajaro’ and ‘Nyoho’, their F₁ progeny and their self progeny. Fruit size was highly correlated with the product of fruit arising node/total peduncle length ratio and fruit arising node/lower node diameter ratio (i.e., the fruit arising node length and diameter ratio). This characteristic was quantitatively inherited. The broad sense heritability in F₁ and self progenies derived from the two parental cultivars ranged from 0.795 to 0.895. The coefficient of variation of fruit size was highly correlated with that of state that it correlated with the C.V. of fruit arising node length rations. This characteristic was quantitatively inherited, and the distribution curve was slightly inclined to the ovary parental side, suggesting influence by the ovary parent. The broad sense heritability in F₁ and self progenies derived from the two parental cultivars ranged from 0.601 to 0.826. A breeding line ‘Kurume No. 59’ which was adapted to forcing culture demonstrated desirable characteristics suitable for saving labor in harvesting and preparation. The fruit is large (24.2 g), uniform (35% C.V. of weight), has good flavour and a long shelf life, and is suitable for using a prototype harvesting robot.