Genetic association and principal component analysis for fruit yield and quality traits of hybrids derived from diverse tomato germplasm

Tomato ranks first among processed vegetables and holds a unique place in the vegetable world due to its widespread use and excellent nutritional content. The present investigation conduced with thirty F1 hybrids which were developed from the line × tester crossing system. The resultant hybrids were subjected for the evaluation in RBD design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed that all the traits were significant variations. The highest GCV recorded in total fruit yield per plant whereas, ascorbic acid shows the highest level of heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean. The total fruit yield per plot showed positive significant association with plant height, number of fruits per plant, pericarp thickness, fruit gith, fruit length, total soluble solids, titrable acidity and lycopene content. Fruit length contributes highest direct effect for total fruit yield per plot. Out of 14 components, 5 components showed eigen values >1 which suggest majority contributions of this components for variations. Total fruit yield per plot, number fruits per plot, fruit girth, fruit length, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid and moisture content are considered as the major contributors for variations.