Study on Performance Evaluation of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties Under Off-Season Condition at Teppi, South Western Part of Ethiopia

The cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is world’s second most important vegetable after potato in terms of production. The major tomato producing regions of Ethiopia are Oromiya, Amhara, Tigray and S.N.N.P. The crop is cultivated under irrigation largely in the rift valley areas. Ten released tomato varieties of different growth habit and type were brought from Melkassa agricultural research center and evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replication during 2007 and 2008 cropping season at Teppi. The experiment was carried out to test the adaptability of improved tomato varieties and identify and select the best high yielding and pest and disease resistant/ tolerant variety/ies for target area . The mean yield was ranged from 168.16 for Bishola to 256.2 for melka salsa.Based on mean yield,Melka salsa,Challi,Fetan,Metadel,Cochoro and Miya gave highest yield.The mean days to 50% flowering was ranged 54.333 for Miya to 83.667 days for Bishola. The mean days to 50% fruit setting was ranged 72.333 for Melkashola to 80 days for Eshet. The mean number of fruits per cluster was ranged 2.1333 for Challi to 2.9333 for Metadel and Miya. The mean number of cluster per plant was ranged 8.267 for Fetan to 17.6 for Melkasalsa.The mean marketable yield kg/plot ranged from 7.567 for Bishola to 15.23 for Challi. The mean unmarketable yield kg/plot ranged from 3.33 for Melkashola to 6.3533 for Fetan. The mean total yield kg/plot ranged from 13.117 for Bishola to 20.113 for Challi. The mean Average fruit weight was ranged from 41.444 for Melkasalsa to 167.444 for Bishola. Challi,Fetan,Metadel,Cochoro,Miya and ARP are more suitable for farmers due to their large fruit size.Further study should be carried out with improved varieties to improve tomato production under well established irrigation facility and disease and insect pest control