Performance and genetic variability in eggplant germplasm

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes are different in color, shape, size and taste from the hybrids which are available in the market. The introduction and exploitation of traditional eggplant landraces/genotypes can increase biodiversity of this crop. This project evaluated 33 eggplant genotypes (mainly of Indian origin) to identify genetically divergent local genotypes for high fruit yield and desirable quality traits. The highest fruit yield was for genotype EP 27. Maximum ascorbic acid content was in genotype Keerikai. Genotypes Palamedu Local and EP 3 had minimum little leaf incidence. A relatively high estimate of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation occurred for number of primary branches per plant, internodal length, leaf area index, number of long styled flowers per plant, fruit length, number of fruit per plant, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, total number of harvests, little leaf incidence and fruit borer infestation. High heritability, coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean, occurred for characters plant height, number of primary branches per plant, days to first flowering, leaf area index, internodal length, number of long styled flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight, number of fruit per plant, fruit yield per plant, ascorbic acid content, total phenols content, little leaf incidence and fruit borer infestation, indicating these traits are governed by additive genes. Selection among genotypes can increase improvement in fruit yield and component characters.