Multivariate estimate of heritability for quality traits in tomatoes by the multiple factor analysis

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate a multiple factor analysis approach to estimate heritability for quality traits in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), taking as a reference the values of heritability obtained through the classical method offspring-parent regression. A total of 18 F3 tomato families originated from the selfing of 18 individuals from a second-cycle hybrid were evaluated. In both generations, ten quantitative traits related to fruit quality were assessed. The multiple factor analysis showed that some of the evaluated traits performed differently and others similarly between generations. Heritability is low or null for some traits, such as shelf life and reflectance percentage, and high for others, as weight and shape. That analysis also enables the study of the global connection between both generations through the RV (F3, F2) coefficient, which measures the correlation between two matrix configurations. RV was 0.503 and may be associated with the general heritability of all data. The multiple factor analysis is a valid multivariate technique to evaluate heritability for quality traits in tomatoes.

Characterization of tomato generations according to a three-way data analysis

“…Previous studies used this coefficient for the analysis of the genotype × environment interaction (Vitelleschi and Chavasa 2015;Zuliani et al 2012). The coefficient RV can be associated with the general heritability of the data set (Del Medico et al 2019). This estimation would make possible to carry out, objectively, a multi-character selection to continue with new cycles of self-fertilization and, thus, obtaining a joint response in the components of fruit quality.…”