Genetic characterization of biochemical and quality traits in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under moisture-stress and controlled conditions

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the genetic characterization of biochemical, and quality traits in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under moisture-stress and controlled conditions. The study emphasized assessing genetic diversity, heritability, and genetic advance during the winter season of 2024-25 (October-April) at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (ICAR-IIVR), Varanasi. A total of 23 genotypes, including 8 parents and 15 crosses, were grown using a randomized block design. ANOVA results revealed substantial genetic variability among the genotypes for the biochemical and quality traits examined. Comparisons of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation showed consistently higher PCV than GCV for all traits, indicating considerable environmental influence. Traits such as proline, lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion, total soluble solids, acidity, lycopene, β-carotene, and yield exhibited high heritability along with substantial genetic advance under both moisture-stress and controlled conditions, indicating the predominance of additive gene action and their effectiveness for reliable selection across environments.