Variability and correlation studies in diallel cross of tomato (Solanum lycopericum L.)

Heritability, genetic advance and correlation of yield and its component was worked out in 8x8 diallel set of tomato. Heritability estimates and expected genetic advance (as percent of mean) were found to be high for plant height, fruit weight, number of fruits per cluster, yield per plant and severity of Alternaria blight. There appeared a scope for selection and breeding for improvement in all these characters. Yield per plant was associated with plant height, harvest duration, number of fruits per cluster. Pericarp thickness was negatively associated with the number of locules per fruit.