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Abstract

The availability of tomato seeds adapted to local production conditions remains one of the major constraints for the tomato sector in Gabon. The development of varieties adapted to pedoclimatic conditions is necessary. An agro-morphological characterization study of ten (10) tomato lines introduced in Gabon was carried out in order to select the best lines for their use in a program of creation and varietal improvement. The objectives were to measure the agro-morphological characteristics of the lines, evaluate the yields, determine the qualities of the fruits and identify the types and levels of infestation of the plants. These lines were evaluated according to a Fisher block device with three repetitions. Univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (ACP, CAH) analyzes of the data were carried out with the R software. The results revealed variability between the lines for all the traits studied. The flowering time varied between 26 and 36 days after sowing (DAS) and the first harvests varied between 70 and 84 DAS. Line L1 was the earliest and L9 late. For the yield, it varied between 0.6 and 26.7 t/ha. Lines L4 and L8 were the most productive with 26.7 t/ha and 20.5 t/ha respectively. The fruits with the best sizes are those of the L2 and L4 lines with respectively 87.7 g for a rounded shape and 86.6 g for an ovoid shape. Lines L1, L4, L5 and L8 are the firmest. The type of disease observed is downy mildew, spoon yellows and apical necrosis for a moderate severity index for all the lines. These results make it possible to assess the agronomic performance of the lines and to identify promising lines for varietal improvement programs in order to improve productivity for food security.