Genetic Divergence Studies in Tomato Genotypes Grown under Low-Cost Polyhouse Conditions

Abstract

Assessment of genetic diversity was made for sixteen yields and yield contributing traits in twenty-one tomato genotypes using D2 statistics. These genotypes were grouped into five clusters by the use of the Tocher method. Cluster I was the most significant, comprising 13 genotypes (Pusa Ruby, CLN2123A1 Red, PKM-1, IIHR-2042, Marglobe, EC 163605, Hawaii 7998, Palam Pink, EC 521038, Punjab Rakthak, EC 163383, Arka Abha and IIVR BT-10) followed by Cluster II  with 5 genotypes (EC 163611, Punjab Sartaj, EC 160885, Punjab Barkha Bahar  and Roma). Other Clusters (II, IV and V) were solitary ones (EC 249515, Kashi Chayan, DVRT-2). Cluster II recorded a maximum intra cluster distance of 3521.73 followed by cluster I (2796.45), whereas, cluster II, IV and V had zero intra cluster distance. The inter cluster D2 value also ranged widely, with a minimum value of 4082.34 between cluster I and IV, indicating a close relationship among the genotypes included. The maximum inter cluster D2 value (23102.20) between cluster II and V indicates high diversity among the genotypes in the clusters. Hence,   maximum contribution towards divergence was observed by average fruit weight (14%) followed by fruit set percentage (12%), number of flowers per cluster (8%), fruit yield per plant (7%), number of fruits per truss (6 %) and total soluble solid content (6 %). Hence, due importance could be given to the selection of genotypes for further improvement based on these traits.