Evaluation and selection of superior tomato genotypes for high antioxidant composition

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Crops, TNAU, Coimbatore to evaluate the performance of tomato genotypes for high antioxidant composition. The genotypes were raised in open field condition and high antioxidant composition was inferred through high lycopene, carotene, ascorbic acid and total phenol content. Among the 97 genotypes evaluated, LE 355 and LE 525 recorded the highest lycopene and β carotene content (8.79 and 8.50 mg/ 100g respectively). Among the genotypes, highest ascorbic acid content was recorded in LE 525 and LE 27. Total phenol content was also found to highest in the genotype viz., LE355 (40.11 mg/ 100g). Hence, among 97 different tomato genotypes evaluated, LE 355 and LE 525 were identified for high antioxidant composition. These genotypes may be used in future breeding programme for the development of hybrids, rich in antioxidant composition.