Gene action studies in cherry tomato for quality traits in open and protected environment

Ten diverse lines of cherry tomato were crossed in diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) to study the gene action for various quality traits. Analysis of variance of the components of genetic variation and their ratios and differences revealed that the additive variance component (D) was significant for all the traits in the individual as well as pooled data analysis. The dominance components (H₁ and H₂) showed the significant difference for all the traits. This shows the involvement of both additive and non-additive type of gene action in the inheritance of the traits. Hence, reliance should be placed on reciprocal recurrent selection and the development of superior lines with several desirable genes.