Studies on Genetic Variability and Heritability in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

Forty-one genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were evaluated for analysis of variance, genetic variability and heritability. A wide range of genetic variability was observed for eleven traits of tomato genotypes. The analysis of variance was significant for all the characters indicating genetic variability in the genotypes under the study days to first harvest.  The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for total yield (59.90% and 60.22%), fruit yield per plant (58.99%and 59.18%). A significant amount of genetic variation has been demonstrated for most traits, and concurrent PCV estimation shows how the environment influences overall variation. High heritability and high genetic gain were observed for fruit yield per plant, average fruit weight, and total yield. This suggests that additive genetic activity affects all mentioned traits and that simple selection procedures based on phenotypic characteristics of these traits are effective.