Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum L. Karst) under Fruit Worm (Heliothis Zea Buddie) Infestation in a Line × Tester

Field experiments were conducted under irrigation during the dry seasons of 2010 and 2011 at Lake Allau near Maiduguri, Borno State and at Hong, in Adamawa State, Nigeria to evaluate F1 hybrids in tomato for high yield and resistant to fruit worm insect (Helicovarpa zea Buddie) developed from eight parents (2 lines and 6 testers) through line x tester. The purpose of this study among others was to estimate the association existing between fruit yield and other yield components and to also determine the path analysis. The correlation studies revealed that number of flower clusters/plant, number of leaves/plant and plant height exhibited significant positive genotypic correlations with number of fruits/plant. The results also revealed a strong positive phenotypic correlations between number of fruits/plant with trichome count, number of flower clusters, number of leaves/plant and plant height. However, there were insignificant genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients between percentage fruit damage and trichome count. Trichome count, flower clusters/plant, number of leaves/plant and plant height are traits therefore to be considered when selecting tomato plant for fruit yield improvement.