Assessment of Genetic Variability in F1 Generation of Indeterminate Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum. L) for Growth and Yield Attributes under Polyhouse Conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes to identify key traits for breeding programs. As we know there is lack of indeterminate cultivars suitable for protected cultivation, so this study will helps in selection of high yielding tomato cultivars, for this in this study ten parent and their twenty-one hybrids which were developed through line x tester mating design were examined under polyhouse conditions. Significant differences across all traits were observed in the analysis of variance, demonstrating ample genetic variability. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for traits like fruit yield, plant height, and leaf area indicated strong potential for improvement through selection. Most traits exhibited high heritability, especially for leaf area and fruit yield, reflecting a strong genetic influence. Several traits also showed high genetic advance as a percent of the mean, emphasizing their suitability for genetic enhancement. Traits with high heritability and genetic advance were identified as ideal for selection in breeding efforts.