Evaluation of selected improved genotypes of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculenta) during the wet season in Samoa

Aiono, Luaiufi D.J. and Kader, Md. Abdul and Savou, Viliame and Amosa, Falaniko (2024) Evaluation of selected improved genotypes of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculenta) during the wet season in Samoa. Journal of South Pacific Agriculture, 27 . pp. 13-25. ISSN 1018-7774

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Abstract

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculenta) remains one of the world’s most important vegetables, including Samoa, due to its economic and nutritional significance. The limited production and availability of tomatoes in Samoa during the wet season have significant implications for the country. Previous research focused on improving tomato production via the use of various techniques, such as hydroponics and integrated pest management, but there is a lack of studies on the development of a suitable variety that can withstand rainy weather conditions in Samoa. Eight tomato genotypes collected from the World Vegetable Centre (AVRDC, Taiwan) were assessed at the University of the South Pacific Samoa Campus during the wet season under open field conditions to find a suitable genotype. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Results showed a significant variation in the number of days to 50% flowering, disease infestation, number of fresh and marketable fruits/plant, weight of individual fruit, yield, organoleptic characteristics, and Growing Degree Days (GDD) among the nine genotypes. During the study, three diseases were observed, with the highest number recorded for leaf mould, followed by bacterial wilt and fruit rot. Genotypes AL946 and AVTO9801 had significantly higher fresh yields compared to genotypes AVTO1424 and AVTO9304, but their fresh yield was statistically identical to the rest of the five genotypes. The total fresh and marketable yield varied from 3.2 to 9.3 t ha-1 and 2.2 to 8.5 t ha-1, respectively. Genotypes AVTO9801 and AL946 yielded 30.1 and 35.3 and 36.9 and 47.6% higher fresh and marketable yield, respectively, compared to the reference local variety ALTONNUU. Our study found that genotype AVTO9801 outperformed the other genotypes in terms of yield, fruit production, tolerance to pests and diseases, organoleptic characteristics, and GDD. In comparison, genotype AL946 although promising in the initial stages of harvest, succumbed to diseases in the latter stages of the research. Selected genotypes should be further assessed for additional parameters namely nutrient content, nutritional requirements, seasonal variability, disease and pest management, crop modelling prior to recommendation as a suitable genotype/variety for Samoa.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) S Agriculture > SB Plant culture
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Md. Abdul Kader
Date Deposited:	06 May 2025 01:06
Last Modified:	06 May 2025 01:06
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14862

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