Characterization of tomato lines for yield components, processing traits and disease resistance based on phenotype and molecular markers

Abstract

Development of improved line is one of the major activities in hybrid tomato breeding. The aim of this study was to identify improved lines based on horticultural traits, total soluble solid (TSS) and diseases resistance particularly tomato yellow leaf curl virus (ToLCV). The genotypes consisted of improved lines, jointless tomato, cherry tomato and beta carotene rich lines. These lines were evaluated in field experiment and screened against ToLCV resistance under natural field condition for two years. Molecular markers based assays were performed for resistance genes to ToLCV (Ty-2 and Ty-3), late blight (Ph-3) and root knot nematode (Mi1-2). Based on fruit yield, promising genotypes were improved lines (VRT-06, VRT-19, VRT-34 and VRT-51), jointless (EC-605037 and EC-695037), cherry tomato (VRCRT-5), and beta-carotene line (KB-20). High TSS was noticed in improved line VRT-67 (5.36 °Brix), jointless EC-695037 (5.37 °Brix) and cherry tomato VRCYT-3 (8.22 °Brix). High ToLCV resistance was recorded in improved lines (VRT-06, VRT-19, VRT-30, VRT-34, VRT-50, VRT-51, and VRT-67), jointless (EC-695037, EC-605037, EC-605094, KB-Jointless and New-Jointless), cherry tomato (VRCYT-3, VRCYT-5, VRCYT-9 and VRCYT-15), and beta carotene (KB-2, KB-3-1, KB-3-2, KB-5, KB-10, KB-14, KB-17 and KB-20). Tomato line VRT-02 having dwarf plant type was found suitable for pot culture, whereas line H-88-78-2 had very delayed and partial fruit ripening. Thus, our study identified promising lines for breeding application for economically important horticultural traits.