Genetic variability study in bacterial wilt resistant F₆ progenies of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Twelve bacterial wilt resistant F₆ progenies of tomato along with three bacterial wilt resistant standard checks were studied for the extent of genetic variability with respect to fruit yield and contributing traits in mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Analysis of variance indicated sufficient amount of variability among the genotypes for all the traits. It was observed that the estimates of PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance were of the same nature for majority of traits. All the four estimates were high for total and marketable fruits per plant, moderate for gross yield per plant and low for days to 50 per cent flowering and pericarp thickness. For rest of the traits also, at least three components of variability showed same nature. This implies that the traits total fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant and locules per fruit followed by plant height, average fruit weight and marketable yield can be improved through selection based on phenotypic performance. Whereas, recombination breeding will prove effective in improving the traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to first harvest, pericarp thickness, total soluble solids and duration of fruit harvest.