Character Association Studies of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Muntaha Sanaullah*1, Ifrah Munawar2, Saba Basharat2, Rabia Khalid2 and Awais Tariq2

1Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Abstract

Tomatoes are an important vegetable grown all over the world. Association study of yield and related traits plays a vital role in improving the production of tomato cultivars. Eighteen tomato genotypes were selected and sown in the field area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on various yield-related traits to find the associations between yield and yield-related traits. The results showed significant variations among genotypes for traits such as plant height, stem diameter, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, number of clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, pericarp thickness, and number of locules. Correlation analysis unveiled both positive and negative correlations between these traits, providing insights into their interrelationships. Furthermore, path coefficient analysis elucidated the direct and indirect effects of each trait on fruit yield per plant. Results indicated that traits such as plant height, stem diameter, number of fruits per plant, number of clusters per plant, fruit flesh thickness, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, pericarp thickness, and number of locules significantly influenced fruit yield per plant. These findings contribute to the understanding of trait associations and can guide the development of high-yielding tomato varieties through targeted breeding efforts.