Evaluation of genetic diversity of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) germplasm under West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Vegetables, encompassing a variety of edible plant parts such as leaves, stems, fruits, roots, and bulbs, are vital components of the human diet due to their rich nutritional profile. Among them, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), particularly the cherry tomato variety (S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme), holds significant economic and dietary importance worldwide. Cherry tomato is noted for its small, nutrient-rich fruits, high adaptability to diverse climates, and potential as a genetic reservoir for breeding. Given its increasing global demand, genetic improvement of cherry tomato is essential for enhanced yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence among 15 cherry tomato genotypes collected from the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya using Mahalanobis D² statistics. The genotypes were grouped into two clusters, with Cluster II showing greater internal genetic variability and Cluster I demonstrating superior traits for yield and fruit weight. Key contributors to genetic divergence included the number of fruits per cluster, fruits per plant, and earliness traits. The analysis highlighted considerable genetic variability among the genotypes, which is crucial for effective selection in breeding programs. Traits with higher contributions to divergence particularly those related to yield and earliness should be prioritized in future hybridization strategies. The findings support the importance of evaluating genetic parameters and character associations to guide the selection of parental lines. The study emphasizes the need for continued assessment and conservation of local cherry tomato germplasm for sustainable crop improvement.