Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for fifteen yield contributing traits were studied in F2 population obtained from the cross of Arka Vikas × EC 519809. The study indicated that existence of considerable amount of genetic variability for all the characters studied. The characters viz., fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, number of primary branches, total phenol and pericarp thickness exhibited higher values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation. Whereas, fruit yield per plant, individual fruit weight, pericarp thickness and number of primary branches per plant exhibited high estimates of heritability and genetic advance for yield per plant and average fruit weight. These characters can be effectively improved through selection. Correlation indicated that yield was significantly and positively associated with plant height, number of flowers per cluster, percent fruit set, fruit length, fruit diameter, individual fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. Number of fruits per cluster and number of fruits per plant showed the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. Direct selection may be executed considering these traits as the main selection criteria to reduce indirect effect of other characters during development of high yielding tomato variety.
Genetic variability, character associations and path coefficient studies in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown under terai region of West Bengal
