Performance analysis of elite tomato genotypes for growth, yield and quality traits in Varanasi region

The field experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh during rabi season 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Fifteen genotypes were evaluated for various quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits studied. On the basis of mean performances of superior genotypes like Himsona (113.79 cm) was better suited for maximum plant height. Pant T-3 (8.27) recorded maximum number of primary branches per plant. VRT-30 (53.60 days) recorded to show early flowering and fruiting. The maximum fruits per plant were exhibited by Arka Rakshak (40.27). Among the genotypes, Kashi Amrit emerged as a standout performer with the highest fruit length (6.02 cm), fruit diameter (5.65 cm) and average fruit weight (96.03 g). It also had a high number of locules per fruit and substantial total soluble solids (TSS) content (6.93 oBrix). Arka Rakshak exhibited the greatest pericarp thickness (7.06 mm) and also recorded the highest fruit yield per plant (3.14 kg), followed by Himsona and VRT-16. The study noted that Himsona had the highest lycopene content (5.71 mg/100 g), indicating superior quality in terms of nutritional value, while Azad T-5 led in ascorbic acid content (21.33 mg/100 g) and pH levels. Firmness was highest in BT-12 (2.50 kg/cm²), suggesting its suitability for transport and storage.