Genetic variability and trait relationships in tomato germplasm under semi-arid conditions of Haryana
1School of Agricultural Sciences, GD Goenka University, Sohna-122 103, Gurugram, Haryana, India. Corresponding e-mail: mauryadeepak0077@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i02.53
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major horticultural crop and enhancing yield through trait-based selection requires knowledge of genetic variability and trait associations. This study integrates morphological descriptors and genetic analysis to identify key yield traits and proposes a breeding ideotype for tomato under semi-arid conditions. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all traits, confirming the presence of wide genetic variability in the study population. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and effectiveness of direct selection. Fruit yield exhibited significant positive correlations with average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant, whereas path coefficient analysis confirmed their strong direct effects on yield. However, further generation-wise and molecular analyses are needed to confirm the mode of gene action across environments.
