To date the Breeders group has operated on an informal basis. No formal organization exists, no proper name has been assigned, no dues are assessed, and no requirement for attendance exists other than an interest in the solution of practical tomato breeding problems.
Thosee who founded the group had no intention of sponsoring another national organization. Rather, they were interested in the stimulation and practical knowledge that might be derived from the association of individuals who share a common problem. The original invitations were largely an area affair. If the group has grown, it attests only to a more widespread interest in the benefits to be derived from such an association.
The group includes those who feel that a solution to current tomato problems can best be achieved by the mutual discussion of methods. Others feel that methods can best be discussed with the materials at hand. To date we have had both methods sessions, and field-day, discussion meetings. Much of value in a how-to sense has been derived. Some cooperation has been stimulated, and considerable knowledge of who is doing what, how, and why has been gained.
The question of whether this group might conflict with TGC was discussed at an early meeting. The feeling of the group was that no conflict would result since the emphasis of the two groups was different.
A session for 1958 is in the planning stage. Dr. Munger kindly consented to act as sponsor for the group at Cornell in connection with their 1958 vegetable days, Recently, however, we have had a number of requests asking that the session be scheduled in or near Indiana just preceding or following the AIBS session at Bloomington in order that travel might be reduced for those wishing to attend. An annomcement will be sent to all those who have indicated an interest by past attendance.
For the steering commitee,
Mark L. Tomes