Genetic divergence for horticultural traits and ToLCVresistance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Genetic divergence analysis of elite germplasm provides a correct picture of the extent of variation which is a prerequisite for choosing promising and genetically diverse lines for desirable traits. Multivariate analysis following Mahalanobis D² statistics revealed considerable genetic diversity among 30 genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for quantitative characters pertaining to growth, earliness, yield and ToLCV. Diversity within and between clusters were observed. Fruit weight, number of fruit per plant and plant height differentiated the germplasm. Six clusters were developed from the D² analysis using Tocher'smethod. Cluster II wasthelargest cluster contained 13 accessions accounting 43.33% of total genotype followed by cluster III and IV both having 5 accessions, and cluster I with 3 genotypes which were accounting 16.66, 16.66 and 10.00%, respectively. Beside these four clusters, remaining two clusters V & VI have two genotypes each. The selected lines exhibited diversity despite common parentage. The maximum inter-cluster distance was between cluster VI and I (15078.88) followed bycluster VI and V(13901.29). ToLCV incidence recorded minimum in the genotype H-24 (13.72%) followed by H-88-78-1 (15.12%); however, the severity percentage was observed minimum in genotype H-88-78-1 (7.50%)followed byVRT-3-2-1(8.17%), ChekuGrand(9.17%), H-24 (13.33%) and Inden 2013-4 (13.53%). Pusa Sadabahar showed the maximum incidence and severity percentage of 52.58 and 38.67%, respectively. The assessment of variation guides the breeder to select superior parents to initiate an effective and fruitful crossing programme to improve the genotypes.