Estimation of genetic parameters and identification of selection indices in exotic tomato genotypes

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate and characterize seventeen exotic genotypes of tomato grown in eastern India and to identify important selection indices for the yield improvement of the crop. Significant differences among genotypes were found for all studied properties. Three (CLN2777-E, CLN2777-F and CLN2777-A) high yielding and   two (Alisha Craig Ogc and Feb-2) having better processing quality genotypes identified in the present study could be utilized in future breeding programme. In the present study, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for number of flower clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster, plant height, polar diameter, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, pericarp thickness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, lycopene content and fruit yield per plant which were controlled by additive gene effects, indicating good response to selection for these characters. From the study of correlation and path coefficient analyses, three characters namely, number of flower clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster and fruit weight were found most important selection indices of tomato.