Studies on Hybrid Vigour in F1 And ots Retention in F2 for Fruit Firmness and Related Traits in Tomato.

ABSTRACT

Tomato varieties having less number of locules, thicker pericarp and good firmness are preferred by the consumers. A set of 28 half diallel crosses were generated by crossing 8 inbred lines of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) namely Gujarat Tomato 1 (GT 1), Pusa Ruby, H 24, Ec 490190, Arka Vikas, Ec 163599, Ec 177371 and Ec 398704. Parents, F1 hybrids and F2 populations using randomized complete block design with three replications were evaluated for fruit weight, equatorial and polar diameter, number of locules, pericarp thickness and firmness at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat, India). Significant genetic differences were observed among the parents, their F1 hybrids and F2 populations for fruit firmness related characters except locules fruit-1 under study. The cross Arka Vikas x Ec 398704 followed by GT 1 X Ec 490190 and Pusa Ruby X Ec 163599 exhibited higher heterobeltiosis as well as standard heterosis along with considerable inbreeding depression for fresh fruit firmness hence, is desired for firm fruited tomato plants and would score over yield when tomato are cultivated for distant markets. This cross also involved at least one parent having grater firmness as well pericarp thickness and few locules, hence, can be recommended for breeding improved fruit firmness lines in future.