Participatory tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) variety selection and evaluation for production in Eastern Amhara regional state

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Kobo and Mersa under irrigation with the objectives of evaluating the adaptability and yield potential of different tomato varieties and asses’ farmers’ perception. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and used six released tomato varieties. The result showed that there was variation on yield and yield components of tomato varieties. The highest number of fruit clusters per plant (15.7) and marketable yield (45.8 tha-1) was recorded from variety Oval red whereas highest fruit per plant (70.5) and fruit length (5.9 cm) was recorded from variety Mersa. From the six tested tomato varieties Oval red was first ranked by its yield advantage from other tomato varieties and its shape has good market value by farmers’ selection. Variety Mersa was selected by farmer’s due to its disease resistance (powdery mildew) and good market value. Therefore, Oval Red and Mersa tomato varieties were recommended for Mersa and Kobo areas under irrigation.