Genetics of Quantitative and Qualitative Traits in Tomato

Abstract

Tomato breeding requires information on combining ability, gene action, and heterotic expression to identify suitable parents and cross combinations for quantitative and qualitative improvement. An experiment was conducted to estimate combining ability, gene action, and heterosis manifestation for eight commercially important quantitative and qualitative characters of 28 F1 tomato hybrids derived from 11 parents through a line (7) × tester (4) mating design. Analysis of variance indicated the presence of significant variation among the genotypes and combining ability analysis revealed the preponderance of non-additive gene action for the inheritance of all the characters studied. Considering general combining ability and mean performance, Arka Vikas, Arka Alok, and Arka Saurabh as female parents, and Berika, Alisa Craig, and Patharkutchi as pollen parents, were found to be the most promising. Considering specific combining ability, mean performance, and heterotic performance, Arka Ahuti × Patharkutchi, Arka Saurabh × Alisa Craig, Arka Alok × Berika for desirable quantitative traits, as well as Arka Saurabh × Alisa Craig, Arka Ashish × Berika, Arka Saurabh × Patharkutchi, Arka Meghali × Alisa Craig for important biochemical traits, were found to be the best crosses and can be utilised in future wider crossing programmes.