Preliminary studies on combiners and combinations for quality traits in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.).

Line x Tester analysis of 2 testers and 10 lines was conducted for fruit quality characters. Though both general (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) variances contributed significantly for these traits, the contribution of sca variance was more prominent for titratable acidity, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content, while for pericarp thickness gca variance was more important. The highest gca effects for pericarp thickness, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content and titratable acidity were recorded by the lines SM, Sioux, TT and SW 72, respectively. Based on pooled gca score, SW 72 was recognised as a good combiner for quality traits. The magnitude and significance of sca effects varied with the characters. Two superior crosses were identified and the implication of combining ability effects on handling these crosses are discussed.