Pattern of genetic diversity and variability in tomato*

Fourty four genotypes of Tomato (Lycoperscon esculentum Mill.) which includes bacterial wilt resistant; tolerant and susceptable lines were evaluated for variability and magnitude of genetic divergence using Mahalanobis D² analysis. Genetic coefficient (GCV) variation of was substantial for weight of the fruits per plant and for number of fruits per plant. The GCV was moderate for number of secondary branches and low for other characters. The D² analysis grouped all accessions into 11 clusters. Source of the genotypes had no relation with genetic diversity. High yielders with resistance to bacterial wilt were grouped into close cluster. Average fruit weight per plant; number of fruits per plant; survival per cent; contributed much for clustering and genetic divergence. A number of genotypes with resistance to bacterial wilt have been identified for further improvement of the crop.