Donations of $100,000 each from Carnation Co. and Tri Valley Growers have boosted an endowment for the Charles M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center at the University of California, Davis. The gifts will help ensure continued operation and growth of the center, which holds the world's largest collection of tomato genetic material. John E. Kinsella, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, notes that these gifts reflect a recognition by growers and producers of the importance of germplasm conservation and biological diversity in sustaining the food supply. "They underscore the support that our college research can attract and emphasize the importance of plant biology in sustainable food production," he said. The contributions follow a $125,000 gift from Beatrice/Hunt Wesson, whose director of agricultural operations, Maclay Burt, invited Carnation to join the campaign. "We are pleased to contribute to the center, which will enhance basic research in tomato varieties," said William H. Manby, vice president of Carnation's culinary operations division. "It is important to our business efforts to have this type of work continue." Tri Valley Growers, which made an initial gift of $25,000 in 1990, has increased its total commitment to $100,000, with a second gift of $25,000 and a pledge of an additional $50,000. Terrence P. Witzel, vice president of corporate relations for the grower-owned cooperative, said, "Our support of the Rick Center is an investment in the future health of the tomato industry. We feel that it is important for us to do our part in guaranteeing the continued success of the center." The center's all-volunteer campaign committee also includes representatives from H.J. Heinz Co., Petoseed Co. Inc., California Tomato Growers Association, California Tomato Research Institute and California Tomato Board, all of which share the goal of developing tomato plants that are more resistant to insects, diseases and adverse climatic conditions. At the core of the center is the priceless wild tomato collection of internationally recognized tomato geneticist Charles Rick. Many of the resistant traits bred into today's commercial varieties can be traced to Rick's collection.