Evaluation of fruit quality traits of traditional varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grown in Tunisia

Physicochemical, nutritional, agronomic and sensorial parameters, which define fruit quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), were evaluated in 13 traditional varieties collected from several localities in Tunisia, using three commercial varieties as controls. Several varieties were identified as better score for total solid, soluble solid, sugars/acid ratio and vitamin C concentration than the commercial varieties. These varieties could be a resource of good quality in breeding programmes. The correlation between specific parameter seen in this study showed that the local varieties can be differentiated, not just as a function of their morphological attributes but also as a function of theirorganoleptic, nutritional and sensorial quality. Key words: Tomato, quality, selection, breeding programme.