Genetic characterization for physiological, biochemical, and quality traits under high-temperature stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

This research aimed to assess how tomato plants and their hybrids react physiologically when exposed to high-temperature stress (HS). The research focused on exploring genetic diversity, heritability, and genetic advance in response to high-temperature stress at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (ICAR-IIVR), Varanasi, during the summer season of 2024 (February- May). In this investigation, a total of 23 distinct genotypes, comprising 8 parents and 15 crosses, were cultivated using a randomized block design. The results of the ANOVA indicate a notable level of genetic diversity among the selected genotypes concerning different traits. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation shows that the PCV is greater than the GCV across all traits studied, highlighting the significant influence of environmental factors. The combination of high heritability and genetic advances in traits like proline, sodium dismutase, and hydrogen peroxide suggests that additive gene effects influence these attributes and are more dependable for efficient selection.