Breeders' Sensory Test: A new tool for early selection in breeding for tomato ( <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> ) flavour

For several decades, improved flavour has not been a main focus in tomato breeding because it is difficult and expensive to evaluate. Sensory panels are designed assess flavour, but they able evaluate large sample numbers typical for early generations. Selection the first segregating generation could enhance by preventing loss of favourable alleles. The efficiency selection unknown due polygenetic inheritance flavour. To address these issues, F2 plants from 32 crosses their parents (910 individuals) were evaluated aroma, sweetness sourness with Breeders' Test (small team number small samples individuals), as well physicochemical traits (total soluble solids, titratable acidity dry matter), volatile compounds low-input organic hydroponic cultivation. Corresponding sensory significantly correlated. most studied traits, was possible select between single generation. Thus, can be used new tool