Analysis of high performance and genetic diversity in tomato (Lycopersicom eculentum L.) from Northern Pakistan

The present study focused on analysis of genetic diversity using agro-morphological traits in tomato. Cultivated tomato is reported to have very low genetic diversity. Extent of heritable variation in tomato germplasm was determined in present study. A total of 46 accessions acquired from Northern Areas of Pakistan were used to characterize for 14 agro-morphological traits in order to recommend the best performing accessions for cultivation and breeding programs in the local area. Principal component (PC) and cluster analysis were used to analyze the data. On the basis of similarities, cluster analysis revealed grouping of accessions irrespective of geographical origin. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed positive contribution of agronomic and fruit traits. A number of agro-morphological traits were noticed with significant level of variability. The highest variation was observed in percentage of germination (G%) 669.4, followed by fruit weight (FWT) 307.1 and Plant height (VL) 166.8. The 46 accessions comprised of five clusters on the basis of hierarchical method of clustering. PCI contributed 25.87%, PCII accounted for 14.21% and PCIII was calculated as 12.87% for total variation based on morphology. On the basis of highest values, percentage of germination, fruit width, fruit weight and fruit length; five promising genotypes Sashaltai, Riogrande, Longkeeper, 17870 and 1173 performed high which can be used for future breeding programs under the agro-ecological conditions of Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Among these 17909 and 17906 were the two best genotypes identified which could be evaluated further for future breeding programs.  More than 50% of variation was investigated in the selected germplasm, which can be employed for different vital combinations as well in future breeding programs.