Polyploidy and vitamin C

Abstract

The tetra-ploid and diploid forms of the strains of the tomato, DOPR, dopR, dopr, DOPr, obtained by the induction of polyploid method and subsequent vegetative propagation, were examined for their vit. C content by the prophylactic test. The tetraploids contained rather more than 1000 International Units or 50 mgm. ascorbic acid per 100 cc. juice and were about twice as active as the diploids. The above results strengthen the evidence obtained by Crane and Zilva that in the case of apples there is a connection between the vit. C content and the no. of chromosomes. There is no association between the genetic factors DR, dR, Dr and dr and the vit. C content of the tomato.