Appraisal of cherry tomato genotypes for diversity and principal component analysis

Abstract

The current study was conducted to screen 63 cherry tomato genotypes, including three checks with the goal of identifying the genotypes with superior yield and better quality at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The research concluded that the genotypes varied significantly for all the traits. This variability can be later exploited in the future for trait-specific breeding programs. The genotype PCT-40 demonstrated the highest yield at 2.88 kg. Genotype PCT-13 stood out for bearing the highest number of fruits per plant (215), while PCT-36 exhibited the highest average fruit weight at 20.23 g. PCT-33 displayed the maximum pericarp thickness (5.58 mm). Best best-performing genotypes for fruit diameter and fruit length were PCT-36 (32.91 mm) and PCT-43 (67.77 mm), respectively. In terms of quality traits, noteworthy performances were observed among specific genotypes. PCT-44 emerged as the superior performer for total soluble solids (TSS) with a measurement of 9.7 °Brix. PCT-2 demonstrated excellence in both titrable acidity (1 g/100 mL) and ascorbic acid content (63.82 mg/100 g). PCT-41 showcased the highest lycopene content at 4.59 mg/100 g, while PCT-44 exhibited the highest beta-carotene content at 14.89 mg/100g. Additionally, substantial variations in both fruit color and fruit shape were evident among the genotypes, underscoring the diverse characteristics within the cherry tomato population. Eleven components were found by principal component analysis of genotype characteristics, the first five accounted for 80.81% of the variation. Trait patterns were shown by factor loadings and PCT-40, PCT-13 and PCT-41 genotypes performed well in PC1 and PC2.