Standard heterosis and phenotypic correlation studies on yield contributing traits and quality parameters in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

Hybrids show better performance than varieties in terms of yield and quality. Heterosis breeding provides a way to develop hybrids to uplift yield and quality. In the current study, 21 hybrids generated through line × tester mating design were evaluated along with the standard check, Arka Rakshak, in a randomized block design to investigate the magnitude of standard heterosis. Significant difference was observed among the genotypes pertaining to days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), fruits per plant, fruit weight (g), fruit girth (cm) and seeds per fruit. Estimation of standard heterosis in desirable direction was identified for all characters. NTL-14-08 × DVRT-2, NTL-14-08 × GT-6 and NTL-14- 08 × GT-7 are the top three crosses that showed higher positive standard heterosis for fruit yield per plant (kg). The heterotic response in hybrids for different characters is in general agreement with the per se performance of hybrids. Phenotypic correlation study indicated that the number of fruits per plant is positively correlated with fruit yield per plant and negatively correlated with days to 50% flowering with significance.

Keywords

• tomato
• heterosis
• fruit yield
• hybrid
• phenotypic correlation