Genetic Basis of Yield and Nutritional Quality in Cherry Tomato: Insights from Half-Diallel Crosses in North East India

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
K. R. Navya 1
Nangsol Dolma Bhutia 2
Karma Landup Bhutia 3
Chandra Deo 1
1 Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Pasighat-791102, Arunachal Pradesh, India
2 Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Bermiok-737134, South Sikkim, India.
3 College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur-848 125, Bihar, India.
Abstract
Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is regaining popularity in North East India for its nutritional value and adaptability to local agro-climatic conditions. To enhance its yield and nutritional properties, this study investigated the genetic basis of key traits through a half-diallel cross involving ten genetically diverse parental lines. A total of 45 F₁ hybrids were evaluated for 18 morphological, yield-related, and biochemical traits, including β-carotene, lycopene, and ascorbic acid content. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for most traits, with high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation for yield per plant (YP), fruit weight (FW), and number of fruits per cluster (NFC). Combining ability analysis showed the predominance of non-additive gene action, suggesting the effectiveness of heterosis breeding. Hybrids such as CT 2 × CT 7 exhibited significantly better-parent heterosis and specific combining ability effects for yield and nutritional traits. The potence ratio analysis indicated a spectrum of dominance, including partial to over-dominance for some traits such as plant height and lycopene content. Parental lines CT 2, CT 4, CT 7, and CT 10 were identified as superior general combiners for yield and quality traits. The study highlights the potential of exploiting hybrid vigor for developing high-yielding, nutrient-rich cherry tomato cultivars suitable for commercial cultivation in the North East region. These findings provide a foundation for targeted hybrid development, although further validation across multiple seasons and environments is recommended to ensure the stability and adaptability of promising hybrids.

Keywords

Subjects

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 November 2025