[01] Milkinesh Tujuba, Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia. [02] Negash Geleta Ayana, National Bread Wheat Breeding Program, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Kulumsa, Ethiopia.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of 12 tomato varieties for marketable fruit yield and other agronomic and quality parameters; and to estimate the magnitude of associations among the agronomic and quality parameters of tomato varieties. The experiments were conducted at Wayu Tuka and Bako Tibe Districts of Western Ethiopia in 2018 under irrigation conditions. The experiment consisted of 12 tomato varieties, laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected for agronomic and quality parameters and ANOVA was carried out using GLM procedures of SAS (SAS, 2004, version 9.0). The difference between two means were tested for significance using Least Significant Difference method of Fisher's Statistics at P=0.05 probability level. The results indicated that significant differences were observed among the different tomato varieties for most of the vegetative characteristics and yield components. The combined analysis of variance revealed significant effect of location and Genotype x Location interaction on the expression of traits. The highest mean number of fruits per plant was recorded for Melkasalsa (77.54) while the lowest was for Metadel (25.49) variety. The highest marketable fruit yield was recorded for Melkasalsa variety (21.76 t ha^-1) whereas the smallest was recorded for Metadel variety (10.68 t ha^-1). The lowest pH value was recorded in varieties Galilema and Bishola with the value of 3.86 and 3.98 respectively. In terms of TSS, Cochora (5.27%) and Melkashola (5%) varieties were superior and followed by Chali (4.97%) variety at Wayu Tuka while Bishola (5.63%) and ARP tomato D2 (5.27%) were superior at Bako Tibe. Number of trusses per plant, number of fruits per plant as well as number of fruits per truss showed a positive significant association with marketable fruit yield at both field conditions. In conclusion the results indicated that the chemical quality parameters of most of the tested varieties are in standard ranges for tomato fruit quality. In terms of marketable yield, Melkasalsa variety can be recommended for the two study areas while in terms of fruit quality, Bishola for Bako Tibe and Cochora, Melkashola and Chali for Wayu Tuka location.

Fruit Quality, Marketable Yield, pH, Tomato Varieties, Total Soluble Solid

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