Performance of tomato hybrids for quality traits under Mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during Kharif 2016 at the Experimental Farm of RHR&TS, Jachh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh with an objective to evaluate the quality traits of 20 hybrids resulting from ten lines and two testers mated in a line × tester mating design. The hybrid, EC-620410 × Solan Lalima had maximum fruit shape index while the hybrid EC-37239 × Solan Lalima recorded least number of locules per fruit. Both these traits are desired for long distance transportation as well as processing. Maximum pericarp thickness was recorded the hybrid EC-37239 × FT-5, whereas, the hybrid between LE-79-5 and FT-5 excelled among all with respect to TSS. Ascorbic acid content in the fresh fruits was maximum in BT-1-1 × FT-5. All the studied traits are among the key traits desired for processing and for long distance transportation. Keeping the consumers’ preferences and specific end use in view, for commercial exploitation of heterosis, these hybrids may further be evaluated in multiple locations for yield and other yield contributing traits before releasing them as a variety.