Screening of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes for hotset traits

Tomato is a vegetable in high demand all over the world. Studies on the relationship of temperature and relative humidity have revealed that the reproductive stage of tomato is sensitive to widely varying weather parameters which largely affect the pollen viability and fruit set per cent. Morpho-phenological development of tomato largely depends on prevailing weather parameters, flowering phase being the most sensitive. Temperature fluctuations above 38oC and relative humidity below 50% are reported to adversely affect the fruit setting of tomato, by altering pollen viability. Selection of suitable growing system can largely influence the microclimate around the crop. Kerala is in urgent need of an indeterminate hotset tomato genotype. Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University has undertaken screening of 35 tomato genotypes in two different growing systems in the summer months of 2018, to evaluate for hotset characters. Observations were taken on hotset traits and yield parameters of the crop. The comparison of the structures and the variability of genotypes were assessed. The genotypic correlation of characters observed with yield was worked out. Based on the selection indices, hotset genotypes were suggested for further hybridization programme.