Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and its contributing traits in tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon Mill.)

The experiment on 30 genotypes including three check varieties (Determinate Punjab Chhuhara, Indeterminate Pusa Ruby and Indeterminate NDT-8) of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon Mill.) was conducted to work out the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance effects of their various attributes on yield per plant. Analysis of variance showed that the mean squares due to genotypes were significant for all the twelve characters. The minimum fruit yield per plant was harvested in (NDT-515) 1.63kg to while maximum one was recorded in (NDT-517) 2.1 kg, none of the genotype was found significantly for higher fruit yield per plant than the best check NDT-8 (2.04kg) in determinate group. In indeterminate group was found significant the best check Pusa Ruby (2.04kg). Highest phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed highest in case of locules per plant followed by average pericarp thickness, plant height, primary branches per plant, diameter of fruit and TSS (Total Soluble Solids). The heritability in broad sense ranged from 20.08 (Diameter of fruit) to 97.20% for plant height. However, the heritability was higher for diameter of fruit followed by primary branches per plant, pericarp thickness, number of locules, fruit length &TSS. Heritability and genetic advance indicate that the additive nature of gene action and reliability of those characters for selection and emerged as ideal traits for improvement through selection