ABSTRACT

Phenotypic variability and stability for fruit yield and quality were evaluated in six tomato genotypes in a polyethylene house during 2018-2019 growing season in a completely randomized design with four replications. The varieties were ‘Bruno 29402’, ‘Dominique 539’, ‘Tom 29206’, ‘IND 27812’, ‘Tom 20209’ (hybrids), and ‘Tofi’ (open-pollinated). Data were recorded on earliness of fruiting, fruiting time, fruit yield, and quality. Combined analysis of variance was carried out using the general linear model of SAS 9.4.  Stability analysis was done for traits with significant genotype, and genotype × year interaction (GEI) effects. The main effect differences among the tomato genotypes, year, and interaction were statistically significant (P<0.05). The genotype accounted for a larger proportion of variation, followed by genotype × year and year effects. The tomato genotypes responded differently across years for all traits. This is an indication that the microclimatic factors in the polyethylene house had discernible effects on fruit yield and quality. Ideal genotypes for fruit yield were ‘IND 27812’ and ‘Dominique 593’, ‘IND 27812’ and ‘Dominique 593’ for days to ripe fruit, ‘IND 27812’ and ‘Dominique 593’ for fruit height, and ‘Tom 29206’ for fruit Brix, Tom 29206’ and ‘Dominique 593’ for the interval between fruit appearance and maturity. This investigation identified superior genotypes for earliness and short growth cycle with a range of variability which could be used as parental lines in breeding programmes of tomato.