A series of independent non-transgenic mutations found in the fruit PG
gene of tomato; tomato plants having these mutations in their fruit PG
gene; and a method of creating and identifying similar and/or additional
mutations in the PG gene by screening pooled and/or individual tomato
plants. The tomato plants of the present invention exhibit reduced PG
enzyme activity and fruit that soften more slowly post harvest without
having the inclusion of foreign nucleic acids in their genomes.