Combining Ability, Heritability and Genetic Variance in Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) Genotypes

A study was conducted to determine gene actions controlling yield and other qualitative traits of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) as well combining ability among selected genotypes at the Teaching Research Farm Ladoke Akintola University Technology, Ogbomoso during 2017 2018 cropping seasons. Five ten offspring (F1), obtained from a 5×5 diallel crosses were sown in plots, arranged Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replicates. Data collected on plant height (PH), number cluster per plant, days 50% flowering (50%FL), individual fruit weight (IFW), fruits (NFPP), pericarp thickness (PT), lobe (NOL), seeds (NSPF), lycopene (LYCOP), ascorbic acid content (ASCO) (YH). subjected Analysis Variance (P=0.05). Also, analysis carried out General Specific abilities (GCA SCA) parents hybrids respectively, following Griffing (1956) Method II for partial analysis. Results showed significant differences genotypes, all characters measured. non-additive additive responsible genetic control traits. The ratio GCA SCA < 1 Plant height, CPPL, 50%FL, IFW, NFPP, PT, NOL, NSPF, LYCOP, ASCO YH thus revealing preponderance action. suggested that Uc-op Ibadan-local best general combiners while, performance FDT4 X FDT2 specific combiner. Broad sense heritability above 90%, indicating they highly heritable while narrow NOL very high (55% 83% respectively), PH, NFPPL LYCOP moderate ranging between 20% 38%. It is concluded yielding hybrids, guide line assessment relative breeding potential could be established technique.