Gene Action and Combining Ablity Analysis in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

Twenty-one hybrids with three testers and seven lines in a line x tester mating design were used to examine the ability of the parents and hybrids to combine for yield and yield-contributing traits in tomatoes. At the College of Horticulture, SKLTSHU, Hyderabad, Telangana, the genotypes were assessed using a Randomised Block Design with three replications. None of the parents were the best combiners for every character, according to the current analysis. Plant height (14.278 cm), number of flowers per cluster (1.41), days to first flowering (1.20), days to 50% flowering (2.63), days to first harvest (2.65), days to last harvest (16.96), number of marketable fruits per plant (12.31), fruit length (1.65 cm), fruit width (0.66 cm), average fruit weight (219.09 g), lycopene (0.28 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (3.21 mg/100 g), TSS (0.043 0Brix). Combining ability analysis in the current study showed that parents' and crosses' combining abilities differed significantly for nearly all of the growth, earliness, yield, and yield-related characteristics and quality parameters. For various qualities and genotypes, the strength and direction of combining ability impacts differed significantly. Pusa Ruby was determined to be a promising general combiner for nine yield-related qualities based on gca effects among lines, while Money Maker was found to be a promising general combiner among testers. Eight hybrids were found to be promising for yield per plant and other yield contributing characteristics based on significant sca effects: EC 620441 x AVTO 1314 (0.40), Pusa Ruby x AVTO 1219 (0.31), EC 914093 x AVTO 1219 (0.14), EC 620452 x Money Maker (0.30), EC 620452 x AVTO 1314 (0.22), EC 914093 x AVTO 1219 (0.10), and EC 914100 x AVTO 1314 (0.07). The study on Gene Action and Combining Ability Analysis in Tomato is important as it helps understand the genetic control of key traits in tomato. It identifies superior parental lines and their potential for hybrid development. The findings support efficient breeding strategies to improve yield and quality. This study provides valuable insights for sustainable tomato improvement programmes.