Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part R (2025)

The present investigation on Solanum Lycopersicum L. was conducted using eight parental lines and twenty-eight F₁ hybrids developed through a half-diallel mating design to assess heterosis and genetic variability for growth, yield and quality traits. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all twelve traits studied, indicating the presence of wide genetic variability and the scope for effective selection and hybrid development. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were found to be important; however, the predominance of non-additive effects suggested that hybrid breeding would be the most effective approach for improvement. Marked heterosis was observed for fruit yield and its component traits. The hybrid Kashi Vishesh × Kashi Adarsh recorded the highest fruit yield (85.71 t ha⁻¹), showing 21.92% heterosis over mid-parent, 20.03% over better-parent, and 5.81% over the standard check. Significant positive heterosis was also observed for fruit length, diameter, and average fruit weight, while negative heterosis for days to 50 % flowering indicated earliness in several crosses. Quality parameters such as lycopene, ascorbic acid and The present investigation on Solanum Lycopersicum L. was conducted using eight parental lines and twenty-eight F₁ hybrids developed through a half-diallel mating design to assess heterosis and genetic variability for growth, yield, and quality traits. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all fifteen traits studied, indicating the presence of wide genetic variability and the scope for effective selection and hybrid development. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were found to be important; however, the predominance of non-additive effects suggested that hybrid breeding would be the most effective approach for improvement. Marked heterosis was observed for fruit yield and its component traits. The hybrid Kashi Vishesh × Kashi Adarsh recorded the highest fruit yield (85.71 t ha⁻¹), showing 21.92% heterosis over mid-parent, 20.03% over better-parent, and 5.81% over the standard check. Significant positive heterosis was also observed for fruit length, diameter, and average fruit weight, while negative heterosis for days to 50 % flowering indicated earliness in several crosses. Quality parameters such as lycopene, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, and firmness also exhibited positive heterosis, reflecting improved nutritional and post-harvest qualities in selected hybrids. Overall, the ANOVA and heterosis results confirmed that genetic variability and dominance effects substantially influence yield and quality traits in tomato. Hybrids such as Kashi Vishesh × Kashi Adarsh, Kashi Adarsh × Krishnaprabha Shalmala, and Kashi Vishesh × Krishnaprabha Bhari emerged as promising combinations for commercial exploitation and future hybrid development programs.total soluble solids also exhibited positive heterosis, reflecting improved nutritional and post-harvest qualities in selected hybrids. Overall, the ANOVA and heterosis results confirmed that genetic variability and dominance effects substantially influence yield and quality traits in tomato. Hybrids such as Kashi Vishesh × Kashi Adarsh, Kashi Adarsh × Krishnaprabha Shalmala, and Kashi Vishesh × Krishnaprabha Bhari emerged as promising combinations for commercial exploitation and future hybrid development programs.