Journal of Agricultural Sciences & Technology
Volume 2&3, No. 1, 2025
Pages 1-19
DOI: 10.36108/jast/5202.320.0110
Characterization of Some Selected Nigeria Indigenous Tomato Varieties Using Morphology and Yield Parameters
* NWOSU-EZEONYE Priscilla Odaku1, EBERECHUKWU Happiness Oluomachi2, OGUNMEFUN Gbenga Samson3, UMOH Eno-obong Ntiedo4, YUSUF Hajara Oyiza5, ADEBOLA, Matthew Omoniyi6
1Bio entrepreneurship and Consultancy Services Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
2.Bioresources Development Centre (BioDeC), Okwudor, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
3Technology and Innovation Support Centre under the DG/CEO, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
4Special Duty Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
5Bio entrepreneurship and Consultancy Services Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
6Federal University of Technology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Plant Biology, Minna Nigeria
*Corresponding Author- Email: poneduru@gmail.com Orcid No: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0933-1314
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and yield traits of twelve indigenous tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) accessions sourced from the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Nigeria, to identify key descriptors for use in genetic improvement programs. Seed viability was first assessed using the floating method, and a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replicates was implemented. Morphological traits including emergence days, plant height, number of leaves, leaflets, and branches were monitored biweekly. Reproductive metrics such as flower set, flower emergence, and flower opening were recorded, while postharvest traits; fruit firmness and skin color, were quantitatively assessed using a TA.XT2i texture analyzer and CM-3500d spectrophotometer, respectively. Emergence days ranged from 6.00±0.00 to 10.00±0.40, leaflets per plant from 20.2±10.1 to 65.5±35.9, and plant height from 6.93±3.46 to 16.1±5.36 cm. Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) revealed significant phenotypic groupings (α = 0.05). Regression analysis identified leaflets per plant (β = 0.659, p < 0.001) as a positive predictor of fruit formation, while plant height (β = -0.495, p = 0.001) had a negative effect. Most accessions produced round, medium-sized, reddish fruits, although notable variations existed in fruit shape, size, firmness, and skin color. These findings underscore the considerable genetic diversity among Nigerian tomato accessions and highlight the relevance of traits such as leaflet number, flowering time, firmness, and color for targeted selection in breeding programs aimed at enhancing productivity, marketability, and food security.
Keywords: Emergence Day, Flower set, Genetic diversity, Morphological traits, Plant height, Tomato