Morpho-biochemical Characterization of Cherry Tomato Genotypes Grown in Open Condition

Abstract

Cherry tomatoes are high value vegetables that can be the vegetable replacement of grapes. Variation in cherry tomatoes’ shape and colour are attractive to the consumers and therefore, earn high market value. Cherry tomatoes are mostly grown under protected conditions, but in India farmers mostly do not have access to protected structures. Thus, genotypes suited for open field condition are needed to be studied. Seven cherry tomato genotypes were grown on the trellis system in open field at the Indo-Gangetic plains of Bihar, India and morpho-biochemical characterization of the genotypes was carried out in the autumn-winter season of 2022-23. All the genotypes except one had indeterminate growth habit. The fruits were of red (, pink and yellow colour and round, oval, plum and pyriform shape. The average fruit weight was below 10 g which is ideal for cherry type tomatoes. The total soluble solids ranged between 5.13 to 11.47 ºBrix, titrable acidity from 0.13 to 0.28%, ascorbic acid content from 12.34 to 23.66 mg per 100g FW. Among the seven genotypes, BRCT-1, BRCT-37, BRCT-38 and Swarna Ratan performed well under open field conditions with respect to fruit morphological and quality aspect and may be recommended for open field condition or used as donor parents in breeding programmes.