MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – From a pool of more than 100 submissions, there was not just
one, but
two
names, that rose to the top of the list for the new tomato varieties created by
West Virginia University researchers Mannon Gallegly and Mahfuz Rahman in honor
of the 150th anniversary of the
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
The popularity of those two names, combined with the ultimate decision to release
both tomato varieties, resulted in the final selection of two official names: West
Virginia '17A (Mountaineer Pride, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the WVU
Davis College) and West Virginia '17B (Mountaineer Delight, in honor of the 150th
anniversary of the WVU Davis College).
“Though we initially considered the idea of releasing only one variety, it became
apparent to me that both varieties were very good – each in their own way,” said
Gallegly, emeritus professor of plant pathology and creator of the popular West
Virginia ’63 Tomato. “Also, the more I thought about it, the more I recognized
the value in keeping with the tradition of honoring our state and recognizing the
year in which it was released, just as we did with the West Virginia ’63.
“There will be others who follow in my and Mahfuz’s footsteps, creating their own
tomatoes, so by indicating the year of release within each name helps scientists
like us keep them all straight.”
Gallegly and Rahman also see the value of incorporating the two most popular names
submitted by the public.
“It’s hard to believe we received 114 submissions,” said Rahman, associate professor
of plant pathology and WVU Extension specialist. “I’m grateful people see the value
of these developments and are interested in engaging in the process in a fun and
creative way.”
Of the entries submitted, the names (or some rendition of these names) “Mountaineer
Pride” and “Mountaineer Delight” were the most duplicated entries.
And fortunately, both names are reminiscent of each respective variety.
“The West Virginia ’17A (Mountaineer Pride) is a firmer tomato, with a thicker cell
wall, and better suited for commercial use since it’s easier to ship,” Gallegly
said.
“The West Virginia ’17B (Mountaineer Delight) is more suited for home gardeners,”
he continued. “It’s sweeter than the ’17A – and even sweeter than the ’63 tomato
– and is more of a beefsteak tomato, with a beautiful internal color.”
Both tomatoes are resistant to late blight, as well as
Septoria lycopersici
, a fungus that causes a destructive disease commonly referred to as Septoria leaf
spot.
In terms of next steps, Gallegly and Rahman will deposit the seeds to the USDA Plant
Germplasm Preservation Research Unit. The PGPRU develops strategies and technologies
to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of plant genebanks, while conserving
genetic diversity of plant populations, as well as genes and specific genotypes
in the form of seeds, plant cuttings, pollen, etc.
For those interested in obtaining seeds, contact Silas Childs, director of the WVU
Evansdale Greenhouse, by emailing
schilds@mail.wvu.edu, or Rahman by emailing
MM.Rahman@mail.wvu.edu.
“We will need to identify some seed companies that will carry these for longer term,”
Rahman said. “But in the meantime, we are more than happy to share the limited
supply of seeds we currently have, making them available to West Virginians – and
many of our friends throughout the country – just as we’ve done in the past.”
-WVU-
Pictured above, top to bottom: Mahfuz Rahman and Mannon Gallegly holding the new tomato varieties at the Davis College's 150th anniversary Welcome Back BBQ, held August 31 (photo credit: Caroline Nicholas); Dean Daniel Robison, left, and Emeritus Professor Mannon Gallegly announce the names of the new tomato varieties during the Welcome Back BBQ; Associate Professor Mahfuz Rahman slices a tomato for Dr. Terry Sharik, 1964 Davis College alumnus, at the BBQ.
nl/08/31/2017
CONTACT: Nikky Luna; WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304.293.2394;
Nikky.Luna@mail.wvu.edu
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