Genetic variability studies in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were studied in thirty one genotypes of tomato at Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, field station Pithoragarh for 14 qualitative and quantitative traits. Germplasm was characterized for eight qualitative traits using IPGRI, Rome tomato descriptor and six quantitative traits including quality traits pericarp thickness, total soluble solids and dry matter content. Immature fruit colour varied from light green to very dark green and mature fruit colour was generally red except one genotype with orange colour (CLN-2413J). Four genotypes exhibited superior values for both TSS (more than 5.0) and dry matter content (more than 6.0) were CLN-2413D, CLN-1314G, DARL Cherry Sel-1 and Punjab Chhuhara, whereas CLN-2264G and CLN-2264H showed superiority for pericarp thickness. Significant variations were observed for all the traits under study. High estimates of heritability, genetic coefficient of variation and genetic advance were observed for number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight exhibiting possibility of improvement in these traits through direct selection.