Genetic gains by selection indexes in tomato genotypes under water stress

Resumo

The selection of genotypes with agronomic potential associated with the tolerance to water shortage is considered of high complexity. An alternative could be the use of selection indexes that can evaluate multiple characteristics simultaneously. This study aimed to select tomato genotypes with agronomic potential and tolerance to water deficit by selection indexes. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. Ten treatments were evaluated, seven genotypes F2RC3, donor genitor (Solanum pennellii), recurrent genitor (UFU-040) and cv. Santa Clara. For water stress simulation during tomato cycle at 45, 60, 80 and 100 days after sowing, irrigation was cut until the substrate reached a matric potential of ≤ -25 kPa. The control treatments, donor genitor and cv. Santa Clara, were resistant and susceptible to water deficit, respectively. The UFU-102-RC3#91335 genotype presented agronomic potential and satisfactory levels of tolerance to water deficit, and presented 58.2% higher production than the recurrent genitor (UFU-040). The genotype-ideotype distance selection index is the most appropriate for the selection of tomato genotypes for agronomic potential allied to drought tolerance.