Genetic analysis to identify suitable parents for hybrid seed production in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.).

Abstract

Line x tester experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of 30 hybrids along with 13 parents in tomato. Variance due to treatments, crosses and lines x testers was significant for days to fruiting, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, number of fruit per plant and yield per plant. The estimate of variance of gca, sca, their ratio and degree of dominance indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the traits suggesting that selection might not be made in the early generations and recurrent selection with periodic intercrossing appeared to be the best method. Narrow sense heritability was low in all traits but moderate for fruit weight, while genetic advance was low to high in aforementioned traits. Contribution of lines towards the total variance was more than that of testers. Line x tester interactions contributed more in days to fruiting, number of fruit per plant and yield per plant than that of lines and testers. Based on mean performance and gca effects, line 88572 and UC-134 and tester Nagina were better for yield and its various components. Considering mean performance, sca effects and heterobeltiosis, three hybrids 88572 × Riogrande, Picdeneto × Riogrande and H-24 × Riogrande were superior for yield and recommended for further evaluation.