Development of F1 hybrids with resistance to bacterial wilt in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Abstract

Fifty F1 hybrids obtained by crossing 10 lines and 5 testers in a line x tester mating design were evaluated along with their parents in both wilt infested and wilt free soil to knows their reaction to the bacterial wilt and their performance for yield and yield components. The hybrids were highly resistant to infestation of bacterial wilt ranging from 91-100% whereas the check Pusa Ruby was found to be 100% susceptible. The F1’s expressed superior heterosis and heterobeltiosis for characters like yield, days to first fruit maturity, days to 50% flowering and fruit quality parameters. Combining ability analysis revealed predominance of non-additive gene action for parameters like yield, number of fruiting clusters, fruit per cluster and quality parameter while additive gene action was observed in plant height, days to 50%flowering and TSS. The line IIHR 2038, IIHR 2042 and NOR-1 were found to be good combiner and crosses such as BWRsx2038, BR11x2038, BWRIx2042, 15SBSBx2042 and BR11xNOR-1 were outstanding in respect if yield, firmness and early bearing. These hybrids also recorded hundred percent survival to bacterial wilt and further can be commercially exploited. 90