Multivariate estimate of heritability for quality traits in tomatoes by the multiple factor analysis

The objective of this work was to evaluate a multiple factor analysis approach to estimate heritability for quality traits in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), taking as a reference the values of heritability obtained through the classical method offspring-parent regression. A total of 18 F3 tomato families originated from the selfing of 18 individuals from a second-cycle hybrid were evaluated. In both generations, ten quantitative traits related to fruit quality were assessed. The multiple factor analysis showed that some of the evaluated traits performed differently and others similarly between generations. Heritability is low or null for some traits, such as shelf life and reflectance percentage, and high for others, as weight and shape. That analysis also enables the study of the global connection between both generations through the RV (F3, F2) coefficient, which measures the correlation between two matrix configurations. RV was 0.503 and may be associated with the general heritability of all data. The multiple factor analysis is a valid multivariate technique to evaluate heritability for quality traits in tomatoes.