International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2278-3202 12 2 2023 08 10 Yield performance and fruit characteristics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes in a high rainfall region 17 28 EN Menon Karthika S. 1 Department of Botany, Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, India P.M. Dhrisya 2 Department of Botany, Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, India Mshelmbula Barka P. 1 Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nigeria Anoliefo Geoffrey O. 2 Environmental Biotechnology and Sustainability Research Group, Dept. of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Ikhajiagbe Beckley 3 Applied Environmental Biosciences and Public Health Research Group, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria and Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Edegbai Boniface O. 4 Environmental Biotechnology and Sustainability Research Group, Dept. of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Goodlife Eugenia Ebene 1 Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Jaja Emylia T. 2 Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Wilson Victoria 3 Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria > Research Paper 2023 1 19 2023 08 10 This study was to evaluate adaptation in vegetative, phenological and yield traits of five tomato genotypes (F1 hybrid Thorgal, NHTO 0294, NHTO 0201, B52 and Cameroun) to conditions in a high rainfall region at the Botanical Garden of the Plant Science and Biotechnology Department of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Seeds of five genotypes were nursed separately in plastic containers measuring 950cubic cm for seven weeks and transplanted into 55 x 45 x 45 cm polythene bags containing 10kg sandy-loam soil at one plant per bag. The bags were set out in a Completely Randomized Design in an open field with six replicates. Watering and weeding were carried out when necessary. Collected data were height of plant, number of leaves/plant, number of branches/plant, number of flower clusters/plant, days to 50% flowering, days to 50% fruiting, and days to 50% ripening/maturity. Others included quantity of fruits/plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit shape index and overall fruit yield. The results showed that differences were significant (P=0.05) for number of branches, fruit weight, number of fruits/plant and fruit diameter with B52 having the highest number of 8 branches and 9 fruits/plant while Cameroun and F1 Thorgal had the least number of 2 branches each. Cameroun had the least number of one fruit/plant. The F1 hybrid Thorgal had the largest fruit diameter (4.4 cm) and highest fruit weight (66.9g). Other parameters studied (plant height, number of leaves, number of flower clusters, days to 50% flowering, fruiting, and maturity) did not differ significantly among tomato genotypes. The F1 Thorgal genotype is recommended for tomato production in Port Harcourt being well adapted and producing fruits almost three times bigger than fruits of other tomato genotypes. Copyright@ International Science Community Association