DEVELOPMENT OF ELITE TOMATO F1 HYBRIDS WITH NEMATODE RESISTANCE

Research was undertaken to develop F1 hybrids in tomato for high yield, processing qualities with resistance to root knot nematode. Total of eighty F1 hybrids were developed and studied for yield, yield contributing traits, processing qualities and resistance to root knot nematode. Twenty three hybrids were found to be resistant to root knot nematode. Among the parents, SL120 was adjudged as the best general combiner for fruit weight, yield and all the root knot nematode resistant traits. Four hybrids were found to be superior with high mean and high heterosis for yield, processing qualities and resistance to root knot nematode. SCA variance was higher than GCA variance indicating better role of non additive type of gene action, emphasizing the importance of heterosis breeding. Biochemical analysis of two important enzymes; peroxidase and polyphenol revealed that the activity of both the enzymes were more in resistant hybrid and its parents. This work has resulted in the development of four high yielding F1 hybrids with high level of resistance to root knot nematode along with processing qualities. They are CLN 2026CxSL 120, CLN 2026ExSL 120, LE 812xSL 120 and CLN 1464A x SL120.