Phenotypic Characterization and Association Analysis of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Accessions.

In this study, 36 tomato accessions were subjected to variability and correlation analysis based on seventeen yield and quality traits. The traits viz., plant height, number of clusters plant-1 , number of fruits plant-1 , ascorbic acid content and single fruit weight were exhibited a high level of variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean and these traits are positive and significantly associated with yield, which is clearly indicates that these traits are highly responsive and simple selection is very appropriate. Per cent fruit set negatively associated with earliness and its exhibited moderate level of variability shows the presence of non-additive gene action. Lycopene and β-carotene were not substantially linked with any of the traits but these are highly heritable in nature, to incorporate these two traits into any breeding programme, the parents must be excellent in these particular quality parameters.