Genetic Variability for Quantitative and Qualitative Characters in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

In Brinjal significant variability is available in the land races and hybrids. They have several matchless characteristics of plant breeding significance with sufficient scope for added improvement to outfit the traditional growing conditions. Many land races also display heritable resistance and/or tolerance to some biotic stresses. The present study which consisted of 14 parents (10 land races, 4 commercial varieties) and 40 hybrids were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated thrice at College Orchard, Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai during 2009 to 2010. Fruit yield was kept as a dependent character and the results were analysed. Analysis of variance revealed that considerable variability among the genotypes for all the characters. High estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed in the parents and for fruit length, calyx length, number of fruits per plant, little leaf incidence, total phenol content and fruit yield per plant. The characters viz., fruit length, calyx length, number of fruits per plant, little leaf incidence, total phenol content and fruit yield per plant also recorded high magnitude of heritability coupled with genetic advance. Therefore, these traits should be kept in mind for better planning of improvement programme in Brinjal. The study further reveals that simple phenotypic selection could be effective for the improvement of aforesaid traits.