Performance index efficacy for cultivar rating in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill) evaluated for heat tolerance in a dry hot eco-zone

Abstract

The use of the factor called performance index (denoted as P) in rating trial entires was employed in a variety evaluation trial that secreened seven cultivars of tomato (Lycopersicon essulentum Mill) for fruit yield under natural high environmental day and night temperatures. The index P was compared with the convertional use of LSD values in rating entries in field experiments that aim at screening crop varieties for selection. The trial was conduced at two locations, Azare in Bauchi state and Talata – Mafara in Zamfara state, both locations characterized by high temperatures between the months of February and May yearly. Rating cultivars by P was found desirable and complementary to the use of LSD. The P value was found to give information not normally made obvious by LSD in judging entries for selection. Based on P values at the two trial locations, cultivars most suitable or unsuitable for each location were indicated Key Words: Performance index, cultivar rating, high temperature tolerance.