Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and quality in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes

An experiment was conducted for evaluation of genetic variability present in the thirty one genotypes and observations were recorded on various yield and yield contributing characters. Analysis of variance showed the significant variability for all the studied characters. High values of GCV and PCV were observed for characters viz., plant height (31.36, 31.64), number of branches (24.55, 25.22), number of clusters per plant (39.50, 39.87), number of fruits per plant (61.15, 63.90), yield per plant (35.52, 39.40), yield per plot (39.57, 41.52), average weight (64.59, 66.13), TSS (20.14, 20.66) and ascorbic acid (26.72, 27.04) which indicates the presence of high genetic variation. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance observed for the traits viz., plant height, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight which indicates presence of additive gene action and demands for population improvement by selection.