Fresh consumption tomato performance of a local landrace and derived lines

Abstract

A local tomato landrace was collected and described. Three lines selected from this base material named 'Local green', 'Local white' and 'Local heartshape' were evaluated for fresh tomato field performance during 1998 and 2000 growing seasons. Early and full harvesting season yield per plant along with yield correlated traits: fruit weight, fruit size and dimensions, and number of loculous along with the fruit quality traits: acidity, total soluble solids and firmness were determined. Data indicated that the local material had a performance within the range of the commercial varieties, both public and F1 hybrids, and it seems to be interesting germplasm source. Furthermore the selected lines had an equally promising performance indicating that line selection within this landrace was effective. In conclusion the base material and selected lines could be used either as sources for tomato germplasm enchancement and/or direct utilization as new varieties.