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Present study was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan to evaluate eight Ber varieties viz Pak-White, Umran, Anokhi, Sufan, Bahawal-Seedless, Yazman, Aakash and Moon under Cholistan climatic conditions during 2017-19. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications (2 plants of each variety planted at plant to plant and row to distance of 25 feet in square system during 2010 and nourished with same cultural practices). Data were recorded on tree height, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, stone weight, pulp ratio, total soluble solids, vitamin-C and yield per plant. From averages of 3 years, maximum tree height (7.8m), stem girth (1.9m), stone weight (2.3g), Vitamin-C (121mg/100g pulp) and yield were obtained by Pak White variety. Maximum leaf length (9 cm) and fruit diameter (3.7cm) was attained by Yazman variety. Maximum leaf width (6.1cm), pulp ratio (99%) alongwith minimum stone weight (0.1g), total soluble solids (12oBrix), Vitamin-C (98mg/100g pulp) and maximum yield (108kg/plant) were recorded by Bahawal Seedless. Umran had maximum fruit length (5.2cm) and Anokhi led in TSS (19oBrix). All varieties performed well under Cholistan condition and showed potential to be grown on marginal land for better economic return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Selection of seven thermotolerant Italian tomatoes genotypes. • 'Lampião' and 'Fascínio' showed the highest plant production and number of fruit. • 'Candieiro' contains the highest lycopene and ascorbic acid contents. • 'Vedete' fruit is the best source of β-carotene. • The tasters preferred 'Fascinio' due to its aroma and flavor. High temperature is a limiting factor for the production and quality of tomato fruit, especially during the summer in tropical regions, when the cultivation must be carried out in a protected environment due to heavy rainfall. Thus, there is a need to identify cultivars adapted to these climatic conditions. In this study we aimed to carry out the selection of thermotolerant cultivars, adapted to protected cultivation, to combine characteristics of high yield, fruit quality, and consumer acceptance through principal component analysis (PCA). 'Fascínio', 'Lampião', 'Vedette', 'Tytanium', 'Candieiro', 'Mariana', and 'Shanty', grown under high temperatures (36 °C), differed in yield, physicochemical parameters of fruit (soluble solids, titratable acidity and ripening index), bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, lycopene, and β-carotene), and sensory analysis. According to the PCA, 'Fascínio' stood out due to its high yield characteristics (68.32 t ha−1), with a higher prevalence of large (38.6%) and medium (54.9%) fruit, sweeter fruit (4.33 °brix), and were preferred by the consumer, in addition to having thermotolerance and adaptation for the greenhouse. 'Candieiro' presented with the highest content of bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid: 45.31 mg/100 g and lycopene: 2.73 mg/100 g), attributes that add value to the fruit and may fulfill the needs of more demanding consumers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]