Heat Tolerance Studies in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to assess heat tolerance and correlation studies in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The data were recorded for membrane thermostability values, stigma elongation, antheridial cone splitting, number of flowers shed per plant and yield per plant. Data indicated highly significant differences among the traits under study. Among the genotypes; Cchaus was the best followed by was 2413L with greater tolerance to heat stress showing high membrane thermostability and lowest number of flowers shed whilst producing highest fruit yield during hot period. Association of fruit yield was positive with membrane thermostability but negative with number of flowers shed, stigma tube elongation and antheridial cone splitting. In crux Roma with a lowest membrane thermostability, was the most sensitive genotype to heat.