Evaluation of Vegetative and Yield Performance of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties at Abol District, Gambella Region

Abstract

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is major fruity vegetables grown in Ethiopia next to hot pepper. Although crops grown in the country its production and productivity is very low compared to the world average. Among the reasons for low its production and productivity, shortage of improved tomato varieties is the major one.  This experiment was done with the aim of evaluating tomato varieties and select high yielding cultivars. An experiment was conducted in bonga district Gambella region 2011/12 dry season under irrigated condition. Seven tomato varieties namely ARP Tomato D2, Fetan, Melkasalsa, Chali, Bishola, Gelila and  Roma-VF(as local check) and  were tested in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The mean values of all parameters were subjected to two way analysis of variance using the Proc GLM procedure of  SAS 9.3. Then statistical significance of the mean of each parameter was determined using F-test and Duncan multiple range test procedure was used to compare differences between treatment means at 5% probability level. The analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) among varieties in all growth and yield parameters except days to 50% flowering. Among the tested tomato cultivars, Melkasalsa produced the largest fruit. The highest fruit yield was recorded by Melkasalsa followed by Bishola. we can conclude Melkasalsa and Bishola variety were the most productive and gave larger fruit compared to others. Hence, these varieties can be used by tomato growers under irrigated condition around Bonga area.