Genetic Variability and Correlations in Rainfed Tomato (Solanum spps.) Accessions in Ibadan, Nigeria

The extent of genetic variability among 19 accessions of tomato (Solanum spp.) was studied using genetic variability parameters as a basis for harnessing of the crop. Four weeks old seedlings were transplanted in a well levelled field with 0.6 x 0.6 spacing and replicated three times in randomized complete block design. High significant differences among the accessions for all attributes studied. Cluster analysis based on 37 agro-mophological attributes separated accessions into two distinct groups according to the fruit types i.e. cherry and classic fruit types. Values for genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation showed variability among the accessions. Correlation analysis showed fruit per plant is positively and significantly correlated to plant height, number of branches per plant and leaf length. Very high genetic advance and heritability estimates for leaf length, leaf width, days to flower, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and 1000 seed weight suggest simple inheritance system and thus amenability for these attributes to selection in tomato improvement.