Genetic evaluation for variability, heritability and genetic advance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) a crop of significant importance in india, exhibits extensive genetic diversity, making it a prime candidate for genetic enhancement. The present study was conducted during the rabi season of 2023-2024 at the Vegetable Research farm Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, using 34 diverse tomato genotypes in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for 12 quantitative traits, and 4 qualtitative traits, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. Traits such as lycopene content, no. of fruits per plant, no. of locule per fruit and fruit yield showed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. High heritability estimates were recorded lycopene content, no. of fruit per plant, no. of locule per fruit with high genetic advance as percentage of the mean were recorded lycopene content, no. of fruit per plant, no. of locule per fruit, suggesting additive gene action and effectiveness of direct selection. Genotypes NDT-23-19 followed by NDT-23-1, NDT-23-3 were outperformed the standard check (Kashi Aman) in yield indicating their potential utility in future breeding programs aimed at yield enhancement. The results underscore the importance of exploiting genetic variability for the genetic improvement of tomato.