Identification of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) F1 hybrids with potential for yield, quality and resistance to bacterial wilt(Pseudomonas solanacearum E.F.Smit)

Abstract

Attempts were made to identify potential F1 hybrids in tomato resistant to bacterial wilt suitable for fresh market and/or processing. A line x tester analysis was carried out with five lines carrying dominant gene for resistance to bacterial wilt, two of them (Sl.6 and Sl.11) additionally being resistant to nematodes. The testers involved (6) were endowed with good horticultural qualities and high yield but susceptible to bacterial wilt. The hybrids and parents were evaluated in wilt sick soil (108 cfu/g soil), with inoculation (107 cfu/ml) as well as in wilt free soil under staked conditions. F1 hybrids obtained from all the resistant parents exhibited very high degree of resistance to bacterial wilt (100%survival). Combining ability analysis revealed that the bacterial wilt resistant lines, BWR 5 followed by BWR resistant 15 and among testers IHR 1614 and IHR 858 were good general combiners. The highest yielder among the 12 fresh market hybrids was BWR 5 x IHR 858 IHR 858 IHR 858 (estimated yield 71.75t/ha). Based on fruit quality analysis for lycopene, TSS, acidity and pH, seven F1 hybrids were found suitable for processing, best among them being BWR 15 x IHR 1614 (estimated yield 76.3t/ha). Among the 11 dual purpose F1 hybrids, BWR 5 x 1032-1 was the best (estimated yield 68.87t/ha).