Heterosis and inbreeding depression for fruit yield and related characters in tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum Mill.)

Abstract

A set of 28 crosses were generated by crossing eight inbred lines namely Gujarat Tomato 1 (GT 1), Pusa Ruby, H 24, EC 490190, Arka Vikas, EC 163599, EC 177371 and EC 398704 of tomato. Eight parents, 28F1 hybrids and 28 F2 populations using randomized complete block design with three replications were evaluated for yield and other important horticultural characters at Junagadh (Gujarat, India).Significant genetic differences were observed among the parents, F1 hybrids and F2 populations for all the characters under study. The cross GT 1 x H 24 exhibited higher heterobeltiosis as well as standard heterosis along with considerable inbreeding depression indicating that this cross could be suitable for exploitation of hybrid vigour on commercial scale for fruit yield. The cross, Pusa Ruby x Arka Vikas had stable performance in both generations hence, can be exploited for development of high yielding stable lines and or isolation of desirable segregants. Negative estimates of heterotic effects were observed in some traits may be attributed to inter-allelic interactions.