Abstract

Field trials and laboratory experiments were conducted on six advanced breeding lines of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) between 2004 and 2006 to genetically assess the organoleptic properties of the tomato lines, determine the relationships among tomato traits using correlation analysis and to estimate the fruit yield potential of the tomato lines. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Planting was done on four-row plots of 8 x 5 m using intra row spacing of 60 x 50 cm to obtain a plant population of 33,333 per ha. The results show that agronomic traits such as plant height, fruit weight and fruit yield differed significantly from one line to another, while significant differences exist in their organoleptic properties such as percentage titratable acid, organic acids, sugars and dry matter contents. Fruit yield ranged from 11.0 Mg/ha (CLN 1462B) to 30.0 Mg/ha (Manuella). The highest correlation coefficient (r=0.99) was found in the relationship between fruit weight and fruit yield. Titratable acids was highly and positively correlated with dry matter content, citric acid and malic acid, while malic acid among others was negatively and significantly correlated with fructose, glucose and pH.

Key words: Advanced tomato lines, Organoleptic properties, qualitative traits, correlation coefficients biochemical properties.