Assessment of genetic variability and its components for yield and yield contributing traits in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The present study was conducted to estimate the extent of genetic variability and its components in fortynine diverse tomato stocks. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications to investigate the variability present among 49 genotypes and to estimate the heritability and genetic advance. Analysis of coefficient of variation revealed that the extent of phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher compared to genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters studied. High heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance in percentage of mean was recorded for number of flowers/inflorescence, pericarp thickness and number of fruit/ plant. High heritability estimate were recorded in most of the traits under study and indicated that these traits are controlled by additive gene action. The characters exhibiting high heritability along with high estimates of genetic advance are highly effective for selection for crop improvement program.