Genetic Variability, Trait Association, and Multi-Trait Selection of New Indeterminate Tomato Genotypes Under...

Area of Science:

• Plant breeding and genetics
• Horticultural science
• Crop improvement

Background:

• Tomato is a vital vegetable crop for both open-field and protected cultivation.
• Indeterminate genotypes offer high yield potential and desirable quality traits, ideal for protected off-season production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess genetic variability, divergence, and trait associations in 57 indeterminate tomato genotypes.
• To identify elite genotypes for enhanced yield and quality under protected conditions.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of 57 indeterminate tomato genotypes over two years under protected conditions.
• Analysis of variance, heritability, genetic gain, correlation, Mahalanobis D2 statistics, Principal Component Analysis, and Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI).

Main Results:

• Significant genetic differences were observed for all 16 yield and quality traits.
• Fruit weight and fruit number per cluster showed high heritability and genetic gain, indicating additive gene action.
• Genetic divergence analysis classified genotypes into seven clusters, with specific clusters excelling in earliness, yield, nutritional quality, and fruit size.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide insights into the genetic makeup of indeterminate tomato genotypes.
• Identified elite genotypes (PIDGT-39, PIDGT-42, PIDGT-29) and potential parental lines for tomato improvement under protected cultivation.