Genetic Parameters and Correlation between Tomato Late Blight Field Resistance and Fruit Quality

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and quantify the correlations between late blight (LB) resistance and fruit quality traits in 220 families F2:3, under tropical field conditions. The families were arranged in randomized blocks in field trials, with six resistant inbred lines used as control, in plots of five plants. It evaluated the severity in the middle of the epidemy, final severity, area under the curve of progress of late blight, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and flavor. There is genetic variability for epidemiological variables and total soluble solids. Heritabilities, obtained by parent-offspring regression, were high and indicated the possibility of satisfactory genetics gains and success in the introgression of resistance alleles. The correlations were negative, of high to intermediate magnitude, among the variables area under the curve of progress of late blight, total soluble solids and total titratable acidity.