Correlation and path analysis for growth, yield and quality traits in F3 population of Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme)

Abstract

The genetic parameters were studied to elucidate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. ceraciformae). Evaluation of thirty six genotypes of cherry tomato was done in randomised complete block design (RCBD). Yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with plant height at 90 DAT, number of secondary branches at 90 DAT, number of primary branches at 90 DAT and TSS at genotypic level and also positively and significantly associated with number of fruits per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level. Highest positive direct effects on total yield per plant was shown by number of fruits per plant, days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height at 90 DAT, average fruit weight, equatorial diameter, number of secondary branches at 90 DAT. Days to first flowering, polar diameter, plant spread from east to west at 90 DAT and plant spread from north to south at 90 DAT had negative direct effects on yield per plant. Characters having high positive direct effects along with positive significant correlation with yield per plant can be directly selected, and simultaneously the characters which show high positive indirect effects can also be selected for the improvement of yield.