Identification of Tomato Lines Based on Conventional and Molecular Tools for Breeding

Identifying elite lines is a major research priority for developing new hybrids/varieties. A total of 153 tomato lines were characterized based on horticultural traits, total soluble solids (TSS) and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (ToLCV) resistance under natural field conditions. Molecular markers were applied for ToLCV (Ty-2 and Ty-3), late blight (Ph-3) and root-knot nematode (Mi-1.2) resistance genes. Based on horticultural traits such as average fruit weight, fruit yield, TSS and ToLCV resistance, promising lines were identified belonging to improved lines, jointless tomato, cherry tomato, beta-carotene-rich lines, germplasm and varieties. An improved line VRT-02 possessing dwarf plant type was found suitable for pot culture, whereas H-88-78-2 had a delayed and partial fruit ripening. Thus, the present study identified elite lines using conventional and molecular tools for tomato breeding