Soil salinity is regarded as one of the most serious threats to vegetable production. Genetic variability studies for salt stress during the early seedling stage are useful in the selection and isolation of salt tolerant genotypes from existing germplasm for the development of new salt tolerant tomato varieties and hybridization. A laboratory experiment was carried out to assess the genetic plasticity among 260 minicore collection during germination stage under 100 mm NaCl salt stress. The Analysis of variation revealed that all of the characters studied under salt stress were highly significant, indicating the existence of a wide range of availability for salt tolerance. A wide range of variation along with high heritability and genetic advance suggests the existence of a broad genetic base and less environmental influence which specifies the predominance of additive gene effects. Hence, early generation selection gives a sufficient scope for breeders to select promising genotypes from the existing gene pool for salt tolerance.

Tomato, Salt stress, PCV, GCV, Heritability, Genetic advance

Based on ANOVA and genetic parameter estimates we conclude that the presence of genetic variability for salt tolerance in germplasm and the parameters like germination percent (%), speed of germination, root length (cm), shoot length (cm), seedling vigor index and dry weight root to shoot ratio has shown high phenotypic co-efficient of variation and genotypic co-efficient of variation as well as high heritability coupled with high genetic advance over mean. The obtained data results based on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance would be useful for selection and isolation of tomato genotypes for further crop improvement related to salinity tolerance along with higher yield in tomato.

Hadimani, A., Mukesh L. C., Fakrudin, B., Anjanappa, M., Halesh, G. K. and Shivanna, M. (2022). Assessment for tolerance to salt stress during germination revealed variability among the accessions of tomato association mapping panel. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(3): 1599-1602.