Estimation of Variability Parameters, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in F2 Population of Tomato in the Cross Between Line 33-1 × La-1

Abstract

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis were the important parameters whichaid in the selection. For this study 300 F2 plants were used from the cross between Line 33-1 × LA-1. Thestudy showed that existence of large amount of genetic variability for all the characters studied viz., Plantheight, primary branches per plant, number of clusters, number of fruits per clusters, number of fruits perplant, average fruit weight, number of locules and fruit yield per plant exhibited higher values of genotypicand phenotypic coefficient of variation. Whereas, high heritability was exhibited by all characters exceptnumber of fruits per plant, while high genetic advance as per cent mean was exhibited by plant height,primary branches per plant, number of clusters, number of fruits per clusters, number of fruits per plant,average fruit weight, rind thickness, number of locules and fruit yield per plant. These characters can beeffectively improved through selection. Correlation indicated that yield was significantly and positivelyassociated with plant height, primary branches per plant, number of clusters, number of fruits per cluster,number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight. The number of clusters, average fruit weight, numberof fruits per cluster and number of fruits per plant had the most positive direct influence in path coefficientanalysis. To decrease the indirect influence of other traits during the creation of a high yielding tomatovariety, direct selection can be performed with these qualities as the primary selection criteria.