Study of correlation for yield and quality characters in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

The present investigation was carried out at Research Farm and the laboratories of Department of Vegetable Science, CCS HAU, Hisar during spring-summer season (January to May, 2004). The experimental material for the present studies comprised 12 parents and their 66 F1 crosses and the experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three replications. Correlation and path analysis revealed that due weightage is to be given for number of fruits per plant and fruit weight (g), therefore, fruit weight as an important character which may be included in selection criterion for improvement in fruit yield per plant. The correlation analysis revealed that total fruit yield (kg) per plant was correlated significantly and positively with number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and total sugar. The study of path coefficient analysis showed that highest positive direct effect was exerted by number of fruits per plant. The correlation of yield with most of the quality traits indicated that simultaneous improvement of yield and quality traits was not possible because of negative correlation of yield with such quality traits. Therefore, a simultaneous improvement of yield and quality traits with negative correlation necessitates some sacrifices both in yield and biochemical constituents.