Breeding for bacterial wilt resistance in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.): Progress and prospects

Bacterial wilt is a major devastating soil-borne disease, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, that impedes eggplant cultivation worldwide. The progress in developing eggplant varieties or hybrids possessing bacterial wilt resistance is encouraging. However, as the pathogen is evolving quickly, understanding the pathogen dynamics and reliable screening methods is important. The knowledge on genetic diversity of eggplants and their wild relatives, gene action and available molecular markers is essential for breeders. Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies and available genomic sources are permitting precise mapping. Development of single-nucleotide polymorphism-based markers and available markers associated with resistance will accelerate breeding programmes. Grafting technology, in which resistant sources are used as rootstocks, is also gaining considerable importance recently. This technique helps in saving time by avoiding the effort required in changing genetic backgrounds through breeding. The present review emphasises the available knowledge regarding the pathogen, genetic resources, root stock breeding and progress made in conventional and marker-assisted breeding for bacterial wilt resistance in eggplant globally. •Resistant sources for bacterial wilt in egg plant and wild spp. for effective management of disease.•Different screening procedures and time saving procedures were developed in few studies.•Molecular markers information for efficient use in marker assisted selection.•Root stock breeding is gaining importance.