Variability of biochemical characters in new tomato varieties and lines

The paper presents data on the results of testing 3 varieties and 8 tomato lines based on the content of dry matter, sugars, acidity, vitamin C, lycopene and β-carotene in fruits. Biochemical analysis of tomato fruits was differentiated – specific to the analyzed genotype and character. Through the correlational analysis (r) of the quality character indices of tomato fruits, it was demonstrated that, based on the material under study, new tomato genotypes can be obtained with a successful association of the characters dry matter – acidity, sugar – vitamin C, for which a there was a significant dependence: 0.77* and 0.88* (p < 0.05). By cluster analysis (k-means) the Dargen variety and the L 304 tomato line were identified with high values of biochemical characters (dry substance – 6.58%, sugars – 3.91%, acidity – 0.52, vitamin С – 26.68 mg%, lycopene – 1.59), which can be implemented in breeding programs to create varieties with high taste properties.