Genetic variability and association of characters in tomato (Solanum lcopersicon L.) genotypes in northern Ethiopia.

摘要

The aim of the study was to estimate the extent of genetic variability and association among characters. Thirty six tomato genotypes were evaluated at Humera Agricultural Research Center, Northern Ethiopia, during 2010/11 in 6x6 simple lattice design with two replications. Variance component method was used to estimate genetic variance, heritability and genetic advance. Highly significant difference (p<0.01) was observed among the tested genotypes for all the characters studied. Highest phenotypic (79.13 and 74.66) and genotypic coefficient of correlation (78.47 and 73.27) were observed for number of matured fruits per plant and fruit set percentage. The highest heritability estimate was recorded for number of matured fruits per plant (98.34) and the least for number of primary branches (47.36%). Yield per hectare had highest positive and highly significant phenotypic correlation with weight of fruits per plant (r_p=0.89), fruits per plant (r_p=0.85) and fruit set percentage (r_p=0.78). While it showed negative and highly significant phenotypic correlation with days to 50% fruiting (r_p=-0.78) and days to maturity (r_p=-0.68). The study generally, revealed the presence of adequate variability which can be exploited through direct selection or hybridization.