In this issue

In this study, the extent of genetic variation in auxin -induced rooting response of detached tomato leaves has been assessed and correlated with yielding ability. Fully expanded, healthy and disease-free compound leaves were excised and treated with 500 ppm aqueous indole butyric acid solution for 45 sec, then washed thoroughly with tap water and kept in beakers filled with distilled water. The leaves were examined randomly for the num-ber of roots induced, length of the longest root, fresh root weight and frequency of rooted leaves to determine variation in auxin response of the genotypes. Auxin -treated detached leaves of 22 tomato genotypes showed wide variation in their root traits. The genotypic coeffi-cient of variation for the number of roots, root length, fresh root weight and frequency of rooted leaf cuttings was 45.43, 11.72, 38.45 and 31.66 respectively. Auxin sensitivity index (ASI) of the genotypes ranged from 0.0 to 3.0. A significant positive correlation (0.647) was obser-ved between ASI and fruit yield. This study reveals that genetic variation in the auxin-induced rooting response of detached tomato leaves could be used as an indicator for screening high-yielding tomato genotypes. This inno-vative approach is simple, rapid and inexpensive.

Automated summary

Variation in genetic response to auxin-induced rooting of detached tomato leaves was assessed and correlated with yield in this study. The study reveals a significant positive correlation between the auxin sensitivity index and fruit yield, indicating that the auxin-induced rooting response can be used as an indicator for screening high-yielding tomato genotypes.