Exploiting Yield Potential in Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) through Heterosis Breeding

Abstract

Eleven lines and four testers of tomato were crossed in Line×Tester design to estimate extent of heterosis for fruit yield, and processing qualities. The present investigations were carried out at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The experimental materials were laid down in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences for all the characters suggesting the presence of genetic variability among the studied materials. The cross combination Sel 12-1-16×55-26-1-1 was found heterotic over better parent and check NS 524 for yield and its traits. The other promising heterotic hybrids were Sel 12-1-16×115-1-8-1, 2-1×PVB-2, PVB-1×55-26-1-1. These heterotic hybrids found superior over better parent and standard check have the potential to be exploited commercially.