Adaptation of Released Tomato Varieties (Solanum lycopersicum L. mill) Under Jimma Condition South West Ethiopia

An experiment was conducted for two consecutive years since 2014 to 2016 in Jimma area, south west with ten improved tomato varieties and on farmer’s local in randomized complete block design with three replications. Among the varieties tested, there was a high significant variation (P<0.05) in mean number of fruit cluster per plant, mean marketable fruit number per plant and mean marketable fruit yield ton per hectare in each year and mean of two years evaluation. Since 2014/15, Variety Eshete scored highest significance difference among varities with the score of 7.5 in mean number of fruit cluster per plant. Mean of marketable fruit number per plant in variety Bishola, Metadel and Melkasalsa scored highest significance difference among all tested varities with the score of 14, 13.25 and 13 respectively. Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (33.01ton ha) and followed by Miya (28.25 ton ha). Since 2015/16, the variety Melkasalsa resulted in highest significance difference in its mean number of fruit cluster per plant among all tested varities with the score of 23.33 which was three fold of its first year. Mean of marketable fruit number per plant was resulted in highest significance difference in variety Melkasalsa (54) which was four fold of its first year (13). Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton ha was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (40.547 ton ha ) and about 22.83% yield advantage than the former year. The least marketable fruit yield ton ha was recorded by the variety Bishola (6.6 ton ha) and Metadel (8.66 ton ha). Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton ha over two years was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (36.78 ton ha). As a result Melkasalsa was recommended for Jimma area and to be expanded through demonstrations.


Introduction
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most widely grown vegetable crops in the world. It is a seasonal climbing plant of the family solanaceae which is grown as an annual and produced for its fruits. The crop has been grown between 700 and 2200 meter above sea level having 700 to over 1400 mm annual rain fall in different seasons, under different weather conditions at different levels of technology (Birhanu and Ketema, 2010). The plant requires a warm and dry climate. The optimum mean day temperature for growth of tomato lies between 21 o C and 26 o C and temperature above 32 o C during fruit development inhibit the formation of red color. It prefers loamy sand to silty loam soils having good drainage is important with Optimum pH range is from 5.5 to 7.0 (Birhanu and Ketema, 2010).
Tomato is the 3 rd largest vegetable crop after potato and sweet potato and as a processing crop it ranks first among all vegetables (Agrisnet, 2010). Originally, it came from tropical area of Mexico, then to Peru (Maerere et al., 2006;FAO, 2005). It spread throughout the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas (Wikipedia, 2016). It is one of the most popular and important edible nutritious vegetable crops for fresh consumption as well as for processing in the world. It is widely cultivated in tropical, subtropical and temperate climates (FAO, 2006).
The leading tomato producing country is China. She is the biggest tomato producer in the world with annual production of 34.1 million tons (FAOSTAT, 2010). Next to china, United State of America, India, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia are the leaders (FAO, 2006).
It is used as canned vegetable having multiple uses and supplies essential nutrients in human diets (Choudhury, 1979). It is popularly used for both commercial and home use purposes. The fresh produce is sliced and used as salad. The processed products like tomato paste, tomato juice, and tomato catch-up are also widely usable. It is used in preparing soups, sauces, stews, salads and other dishes, and used in large quantities as compared to other vegetables. It is used for healing wounds because of antibiotic properties found in ripe fruits and has good source of Vitamins like A, B and C (Baloch, 1994).
In Ethiopia, there is no exact information when tomato was first introduced; however, the crop is cultivated in different major growing areas of the country. The climatic and soil conditions of Ethiopia allows the cultivation of tomato which is largely in the eastern and central parts of the mid-to low-land areas of the country (Birhanu and Ketema, 2010). Whole and peel-tomato are produced in our country which is recognized as quality product for both local and export markets. As a result of this, it provides a route out of poverty for small scale producers who live in Ethiopia as well as in developing countries (Tewodros and Asfaw, 2013).

Materials and Methods Description of study area
The experiment was conducted at Jimma Agricultural Research Center which is located 366 km South West of Finfine (Addis Ababa). It is geographically located at latitude 7 o 46' N and longitude 36 o 47'E having an altitude of 1750 meter above sea level. The soil of the study area is Nitisol which is the dominant with a pH of 5.3 (Beyene, 2013). The area receives an average annuals rainfall of 1622.43 mm and average maximum and minimum temperatures of 24.2°C and 11.9°C respectively and average maximum relative humidity of 67.43% (JARC AMG,2018).
The 1 st season experiment was established since November, 2014 to march,2015.Throughout these season the highest rain fall was observed in December with 59mm and the least was observed in January with 8.30mm (Fig  1).The highest minimum temperature was observed in February 25.66 o c and the least was observed in December with 10.47 o c (Fig 1). The highest maximum monthly temperature was observed January with 26.16 o c and the least was observed in month of February with 11.64 o c (Fig 1).The highest relative humidity was observed in the month of December with 79.16% and the least is in the month of March with 67.48% (Fig 1). Throughout these five months of cropping season, 223.70 mm of total and 44.6mm average monthly rain fall was recorded (Fig 3); average maximum monthly temperature of (22.83 o c), average minimum monthly temperature of (13.86 o c) and average monthly RH of 73.87% was recorded (Fig 3). The Livelihood of the people is basically crop farming and animal rearing. The 2 nd season experiment was established since November, 2015 to march,2016.Throughout these season the highest rain fall was observed in November(84.6mm) and the least was observed in January(34.7mm) (Fig  2).The highest minimum temperature was observed in March(11.02 o c) and the least was observed in November (9.48 o c) (Fig 2). The highest maximum monthly temperature was observed February (27.5 o c) and the least was observed in month of March (13.65 o c) (Fig 2).The highest relative humidity was observed in the month of December ( 74.9%) and the least is in the month of February (42.48%) (Fig 2). Throughout these five months of 2 nd year cropping season, 336.50 mm of total and 67.3mm average monthly rain fall was recorded (Fig 3); average maximum monthly temperature of (23.97 o c), average monthly minimum temperature of (10.12 o c) and average monthly RH of 65.92% was recorded (Fig 3). iiste.org ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) Vol.9, No.20, 2019 maintained at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC). The description of these varieties were presented in Table 1  Experimental Design and procedures.
The experimental field or plots were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The seedlings were carefully transplanted after 6 weeks to the experimental plots (2.1 × 3 m dimensions area) which were designed to accommodate 44 plants per plot on four rows with the spacing of 70cm between rows and 30 cm between plants (Lemma, 2002). The spacing between each plot and adjacent blocks was 0.5m and 1m respectively. The field experiment was conducted during dry condition with supplemental irrigation (December, 2013to March, 2014. The experimental plots on which the seedling raised were prepared and managed for prevention of fungal disease by applications of chemicals at JARC horticultural site. About 10 gram of seeds for each treatments were sown on the well prepared raised seed bed of 1.3 m × 1.3 m size and raised 5 cm from the soil surface to provide good drainage for the removal of surplus cane watering. The seeds were sown in rows spaced 15cm apart and covered lightly with fine soil before watering. The beds were watered every day until the seeds germinated fully and twice a week afterwards. Seedlings were thinned until an intra-row spacing of 3 cm was achieved. All recommended agronomic practices like weeding, cultivation; irrigation, fertilizer applications taking and disease management were carried out uniformly during the growing season for all plots. Similarly, pre-plant granular Di-ammonium Phosphate at a rate of 200 kg ha -1 and Urea fertilizer at rate 100 kg ha -1 were applied (Lemma, 2002). Experimental plots were irrigated every day for the first two weeks to secure uniform establishment and then at weekly interval. Disease was managed by application of recommended fungicides Mancozeb750 DF at a rate of 2.5 kg ha -1 (185kg/100L) in seven days intervals at seedling to transplanting date and 28 days interval at vegetative to pre-flowering stage.

Data collected and statistical analysis
Data were collected on parameters like Number of fruit cluster per plant, fruits number per plant , marketable fruit weight (gram) per plant and marketable fruit yield (tonha -1 ) (Lemma, 2002 26 harvest (kg) was taken and converted to ton per hectare.
Analysis of variance for the collected data parameters was performed using SAS computer software version 9.2 (SAS, 2009) and the treatment mean comparison was done by Least signifance difference (LSD) at 5%. Pearson's correlations among all the collected parameters were also evaluated.

Results and Discussions
The result of the experiment in the 1 st revealed that, among the eleven varieties tested , there was a high significant variation between them (P<0.05) in mean number of fruit cluster per plant, mean marketable fruit number per plant, fruit weight per plant and mean marketable fruit yield ton per hectare since 2014 to 2015 in Jimma area (Table 1). In mean number of fruit cluster per plant variety Eshete scored highest significance difference among all tested varities with the score of 7.5. But it was statistical parity with the variety Metadel and Local with score of 6.7 and 6.6 respectively. The least was recorded in the variety Melkashola (4.1). This variety was statistically par with variety Chali (4.8) and ARPTd2 tomato (4.5).
In mean of marketable fruit number per plant, variety Bishola, Metadel and Melkasalsa scored highest significance difference among all tested varities with the score of 14, 13.25 and 13 fruit number per plant respectively. But it was statistical parity with the variety Eshete with score of 12.83 mean marketable fruit number per plant. In consistency with this result, Yeshiwas et al.( 2016) reported that, variety Moneymaker gave the highest number of fruits per plant (46.4) than any other tomato varieties the same ecology to this experiment. The least was recorded in the variety ARPTd2 tomato (7.33) which was statistically par with variety Melkashola (7.9) and Chali (8.58).
Mean of marketable fruit weight per plant was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (0.69kg) and followed by Miya (0.59Kg).The least marketable fruit weight per plant was recorded by the variety Bishola (0.12Kg) and Bishola Eshete (0.20kg). This indicated that, fruit weight is varying with variety which is directly linked to yield. An agreement to this, Fruit weight is one of the important traits that were directly linked with yield (Jindal et al., 2015).
Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (33.01ton ha -1 ) and followed by Miya (28.25 ton ha -1 ). This highest marketable fruit was due to the integration of highest fruit number, fruit weight and number of fruit cluster recorded on the Melkasalsa variety. The genetic make-up of the variety also plays significant role on yield of these varieties. An agreement to this, Richardson (2013) reported that, variety 'Soraya' presenting the highest mean yields of marketable fruit yield.
The least marketable fruit weight per plant was recorded by the variety Bishola (5.87ton ha -1 ) and Eshete (9.84ton ha -1 ). The yield varied between 5.87 ton ha -1 to 33.01 ton ha -1 . Similarly, variations in total fruit yield per hectare ranged from 53 to 71 ton ha -1 were observed under open field growing conditions (Yeshiwas et al., 2016). Also a varied yield was reported by indicating the potential yields of tomato ranged from 4.2 to 18.6 ton ha -1 were observed for different tomato varieties evaluated (Richardson, 2013). In other way, mean marketable fruit yield of 11.61 to 22.95 ton ha -1 was reported by Regassa et al. (2016). among the varieties evaluated (P<0.05) in mean number of fruit cluster per plant, mean marketable fruit number per plant, marketable fruit weight per plant and mean marketable fruit yield ton per hectare in the second year since 2015 to 2016 in Jimma area (Table 2).
In second year, the variety Melkasalsa resulted in highest significance difference in its mean number of fruit cluster per plant among all tested varities with the score of 23.33. By this result, as compared to its first year result, it was about three fold. The least was recorded in the variety Bishola (6.13) with statistically par with Metadel (7.6), Melkashola (9.06) and Eshete (9.2). These varities were all most same to the first year result when they compered.
Mean of marketable fruit number per plant was resulted in highest significance difference, variety Melkasalsa among tested varities with the score of 54 marketable fruit number per plant. With this result, it was four fold to the first year result which was 13 marketable fruit number per plant. An agreement to this result, the variety "Soraya'" scored the largest number of marketable fruit per plant (Richardson, 2013). In similar manner, variety Martha Washington scored greater marketable fruit number (110,183 fruit/acre) over season tested when compared to any of the heirloom varieties (Shubin et al., 2013). The least was recorded in the variety Bishola (12.06) and Metadel (16.13) and they are almost same when compared to the first year result.
Mean of marketable fruit weight per plant was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (0.852kg) and followed by local (0.749Kg). During the second year, Melkasalsa variety scored 23.47% mean of marketable fruit weight per plant than the first year evaluation. This was may be due to the optimum temperature range and sufficient rain fall that facilitate the rate of photosynthesis which is linked with production of assimilates and transport from source sinks. An agreement to this result, fruit weights per plant was 2.1 kg per plant for 'Soraya' which was the highest marketable fruit weights per plant among the varieties evaluated (Richardson, 2013). The least marketable fruit weight per plant was recorded by the variety Bishola (0.139Kg) and Metadel (0.182kg). In consistency with this result, 0.6 kg per plant for variety 'Yellow Jubilee' was reported as the least result (Richardson, 2013).
Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (40.547 ton ha -1 ) and followed by local (35.657 ton ha -1 ). It was also about 22.83% yield advantage than its first year evaluation. This highest marketable fruit yield was due to the integration of highest fruit number, fruit weight and number of fruit cluster recorded on this variety. The genetic make-up of the variety also plays significant role on yield of these varieties. This statement agrees to the association of characters like fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, numbers of fruit clusters per plant and shape index are the most important fruit yield components which contributes more to highest fruit yield per hectare (Chernet and Zibelo, 2014). In line this experiment yield result, the highest marketable yield was obtained by Melkasalsa (Chernet and Zibelo, 2014). In the same manner, Regassa et al. (2016) reported that, marketable fruit yield was positively correlated with fruit number per plant and single fruit weight which indicates that, varieties with higher fruit number per plant and single fruit weight gives high marketable fruit yield. In line with this research result, the variety Martha Washington scored greater marketable yield (44,092 lbs /acre) and Pruden's Purple variety had higher marketable yield (28,024 lbs/acre) than all other heirloom varieties (Shubin et al., 2013). Inversely to Jimma area, the maximum fruit yields per hectare were obtained from Melkashola and Bishola in Erer valley of Babile (Benti et al., 2017). Also Lemma (2002) reported that, a variation in mean marketable fruit yield range between 7.21 to 48.80 ton ha -1 . Adelana (1978) also reported that, about 20 tons per hectare of tomato yield in temperate region. The least marketable fruit yield ton per hectare was recorded by the variety Bishola (6.6 ton ha -1 ) and Metadel (8.66 ton ha -1 ). In line to this, the least yield was recorded by Bishola (Chernet and Zibelo, 2014). An agreement with this, the minimum yield was obtained from Chali, Fetan and 'Babile local in Erer valley of Babile (Benti et al., 2017). In the same way, tomato variety DT97/215A gave the least values (Olaniyi et al., 2010).
In other way temperature has a pronounced effect in the flowering of tomato plants. The highest maximum temperature observed since 2 nd year experiment was in the month of February (27.5 o c) which is the optimum temperature for flower production. These flowers production resulted in highest fruit set which resulted in highest marketable yield mainly in Melkasalsa variety which produced the highest fruit cluster per plant, marketable fruit number per plant and marketable fruit weight per plant. This temperature also the optimum temperature which facilitate the rate photosynthesis and the assimilates from sources to sinks in the tomato plant. An agreement to this, Adams et al.(2001) reported that, Temperature significantly affects the partitioning of assimilates between the vegetative and generative parts. The average maximum monthly temperature observed since 2 nd year trials was 23.97 o c. In line with Araki et al. (2000) reported that, the optimum temperature for tomato production is 21 o C to 25 o C with an average monthly minimum temperature >18 o C and a monthly maximum temperature of 27 o C. Effects of temperature were more pronounced at flowering stage compared to pre-flowering stage. In line to this, Islam (2011) stated that, photosynthetic rate, number of fruits, individual fruit weight and fruit yield/plant significantly decreased with the temperature (32 o C) at pre-flowering and flowering stages.
Throughout the five months of 2 nd year cropping season trials, 336.50 mm of total and 67.3mm average monthly rain fall was recorded (Fig 3). This amount of rain fall is important for efficient moisture supply and for Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) Vol.9, No.20, 2019 the reduction of some insect pest which may affect the fruit yields of tomato. The obsereved average monthly RH of 65.92% optimal which hinder the occurrences of fungal pathogens that may affects the marketable fruit yield of tomato (Fig 3). Table 2. Mean number of fruit cluster per plant, mean marketable fruit number per plant, fruit weight per plant and mean marketable fruit yield ton per hectare since 2015 to 2016. * Means followed by the same letter in same column are not significantly different from each other. * Cv = coefficient of variations. * LSD (0.05) = Least significant difference at 5%.
Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare Over two years revealed that, there was a high significant variation among the varieties evaluated (P<0.05) ( Table 3). Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare over two years was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (36.78 ton ha -1 ) and followed by Cochoro, Local, ARPTd2 tomato, Miya and Fetan with yield of 24. 05,23.94, 23.34,22.35 and 22.41 ton ha -1 respectively. Even though the local variety yield was statistically par with latter varieties (follower of Melkasalsa), it has unattractive color, less tasty and contain more amount of seeds rather than fleshy which makes unique. The highest marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare was due to the integration of highest fruit number, fruit weight and number of fruit cluster recorded on each plant variety. The genetic make-up of these varieties also plays significant role on yield of the varieties. In line with this, Regassa et al.(2016) reported that, there was a variation among the varieties. Varietal difference was obvious that, the variety UC82B produce more total fruit yield ha −1 than Roma VF where it had 10.6% higher on the average (Isah et al., 2014). In same way, Olaniyi et al. (2010) reported that, the highest fruit yield values were recorded from UC82B wand closely followed by Ibadan and Ogbomoso Local with better growth, marketable and good quality fruit yield performance under hazardous climatic condition Oyo sate of Nigeria. In similar way, Variety Miya gave higher marketable fruit yield and higher average of single marketable fruit weight than other varieties in Borena areas (Regassa et al., 2016).
The least marketable fruit yield ton per hectare was recorded by the variety Bishola (6.233 ton ha -1 ) and followed by Melkashola (9.63 ton ha -1 ). In line with this result, the least mean marketable fruit yield was obtained from the variety Fetan in Borena areas (Regassa et al., 2016). In similar manner, the maximum fruit yield per hectare were obtained from Melkashola, Bishola while the minimum were from Chali, Fetan and 'Babile local (Benti et al., 2017).
The varietal differences in growth and yield might be attributed to the differences in ecological distribution of the tomato varieties. An agreement to this, the hybrid tomato varieties are more suitable to Debreziet and Koka area which is relatively low temperature and high altitude areas (Binalfew et al., 2016).The low response of tomato at Melkassa might be due to high temperature of the area and low fertility of the soil (Binalfew et al., 2016). Besides the differences of ecology, due to the genetic make-up; the low marketable yield obtained for some tomato varieties used might be due to none development of flowers into fruits as about 50% of the flowers developed into fruits. In line to this, Adelana (1975) reported that, only 50% of the flowers developed into fruits. As a result of ecological conditions the fruit yield of tomato may be affected. An agreement to this, poor fruit set in tomato may be as a result of high temperatures that are not conducive for good fruit set (Simon and Sobulo, 1974;Olaniyi, 2007).

Summary and conclusions
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most widely grown vegetable crops in the world. In Ethiopia, tomato ranks fourth in total production after Ethiopian cabbage, red pepper and green pepper from cultivated vegetable crops. The crop has high economic importance in Ethiopia. It is consumed in every household in different styles, but in certain areas. Its area of production and yield were increased which is about 90.05% and 92.69% respectively. Several tomato varieties had been released by the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center for commercial production and small scale farming systems in Ethiopia.
For adaptation, an experiment was conducted for two consecutive years 2014/15 and 2015/16 in jimma area using ten improved and one farmer's local tomato varities in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Result of 1 st year trial revealed that, there were high significant variations in mean of variables among the varities. Mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (33.01ton ha -1 ) and followed by Miya (28.25 ton ha -1 ). The same trial was conducted in the 2 nd year. Result revealed that, there were also a high significant variations among the varieties evaluated in mean of variables recorded. Accordingly Melkasalsa resulted in highest significance difference in its mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare (40.547 ton ha -1 ) and followed by local (35.657 ton ha -1 ). It was also about 22.83% yield advantage than its first year evaluation. Mean of marketable fruit yield over two years revealed that, there was a high significant variation among the varieties evaluated. Accordingly, mean of marketable fruit yield in ton per hectare over two years was highly significant difference in variety Melkasalsa (36.78 ton ha -1 ) and followed by Cochoro (24.05 ton ha -1 ).The least was recorded by the variety Bishola (6.6 ton ha -1 ) and Metadel (8.66 ton ha -1 ). The highest marketable fruit yield was due to the integration of highest fruit number, fruit weight and number of fruit cluster recorded on this variety. The genetic make-up of the variety also plays significant role on yield of these varieties. In other way temperature has a pronounced effect in the flowering of tomato plants. The highest maximum temperature observed since 2 nd year (27.5 o c) which is the optimum temperature for flower production which resulted in highest yield. Over all Melkasalsa and Cochoro were recommended as 1 st and 2 nd respectively in jimma area and similar conditions due to qualified in all evaluated variables Abbreviations used JARC Jimma Agricultural research center FAO Food and Agricultural Organization CSA Central Statics Authority