Selection of superior genotypes using morpho-biochemical traits and crossability among them in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)

Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is a small-fruited and highly valued exotic vegetable in Bangladesh. So, an investigation was carried out during the winter seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–2021 to identify suitable genotypes and to observe crossability among the selected ones in Bangladeshi environmental conditions. The Red02 genotype exhibited the highest yield per plant (1346.72 g) with the highest average dry and fresh fruit weight. The principal component analysis showed that the first 5 principal component axes accounted for 84.99% of the total variations. Here, PC1 and PC2 contributed the maximum (61.24%) variations by the traits average dry fruit weight, average fresh fruit weight, number of clusters per plant and yield per plant. These mentioned trait performances were favoured positively by the genotypes C3, C4, C5, C6, Red02, Red007 and Red0107. The cross combinations C1 × Red0107, Red02 × Red0107, C1 × Red02, and Red0107 × Orange had the highest number of crossing outcomes. Therefore, the superior genotypes such as Red02, Red0107, C3, C6, and hybrids from the experiment could play a significant role in further cherry tomato breeding programs in Bangladesh.