Development and evaluation of hybrids resistant to late blight and leaf curl virus diseases in tomato

The current study in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was conducted at PAU, Ludhiana with the objective of developing hybrids possessing combined resistance to late blight and leaf curl virus diseases along with desirable horticultural characteristics. The experimental material which included 32 F1 hybrids (developed by line ? tester method), 12 parental lines (8 lines and 4 testers; including susceptible check Punjab Chhuhara) and standard check NS-524 were all planted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The values of ?2SCA/?2GCA were more than unity for all the traits except average fruit weight and ascorbic acid content, indicating the predominance of non-additive gene effects. Cross combinations CLN-154 ? LBR-12 and CLN-154 ? LBR-21 recorded significant heterosis over better parent and check for fruit yield and other quality characteristics. Artificial and natural screening was performed for all the experimental material against late blight and leaf curl virus diseases respectively. Out of 32 hybrids, crosses namely CLN-154? LBR-12, CLN-154 ? LBR-21, PVB-1 ? LBR-10, PVB-4 ? LBR-12 and CLN-104 ? LBR-10 were identified for combined disease resistance against late blight and leaf curl virus, in relation to desirable horticultural characteristics particularly fruit yield, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness, dry matter, titrable acidity and ascorbic acid content with fair amount of heterosis. Hence, the hybrids which displayed good potential in yield with acceptable performance of qualitative traits, along with combined disease resistance could be utilized for commercial exploitation.