Heterotic Pattern Involving Rin, Nor and Alc Alleles for Yield and Quality Traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

An investigation on tomato was conducted at PAU, Ludhiana during 2020-21 with an objective of developing hybrids possessing maximum harvesting span with desirable horticultural traits. Experimental material, comprised of 56 F1 hybrids, 18 parental lines and standard check 'PTH-2', were transplanted in randomized complete block design in three replicates. Evaluation for all the experimental material was carried out during main as well as spring season. Cross combinations viz., PAU 114×nor-RM-1, PAU 2381×nor-RM-1 in main season while, crosses LT-44×rin-Rutgers, PAU 2381×rin-Rutgers in spring season recorded significant heterobeltosis and heterosis over check for yield and quality traits. Out of 56 hybrids, CLN1621L×alc-IIHR-2050, LT-44×rin-Rutgers in main as well as spring season, PAU 2381×nor-RM-1, Leader×nor-RM-1, LT-42×alc-IIHR-2050 and Roma×nor-RM-1 in main season and PAU 2381×rin-Rutgers, FL-556×rin-Rutgers, FL-556×alc-IIHR-2050 and LT-44×alc-IIHR-2050 in spring season were best for prolonged harvesting span vis-à-vis fruit yield, weight, minimum days from transplanting to first harvest, pericarp thickness, lycopene content, dry matter, TSS and titrable acidity. Therefore, the hybrid crosses which expressed higher yield potential in addition with acceptable qualitative performance together with maximum harvesting span could be utilized for commercial exploitation. HIGHLIGHTS• The heteroticpattern for yield and quality traits in tomato were assessed in two environmental conditions.• Simultaneously, ripening genes i.e. rin, nor and alc genes were studied to prolong harvesting span.• Out of 56 tomato hybrids, CLN1621L×alc-IIHR-2050 and LT-44×rin-Rutgers crosses were found best in main and spring season.