Abstract:
Twenty six genotypes of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) were grown continuously in two seasons each under two contrasting environments in a randomised block design. Observations were recorded on yield and seven of its component characters. Significant variations among the genotypes were observed. G x E interaction was significant for plant height, primary branches/plant, percentage of productive flowers, fruits/plant, average fruit weight and yield/plant. The 26 lines were classified as suited to low, medium and high yielding environments. SM 6-6 M, SM 6-4 PL and SM 6-2 SP were suited to average environments; SM 6-6 PL and SM 6-3 SP suited to high yielding environments and SM 6-8PL and SM 6-1 SP suited to low yielding environments. The path analysis revealed fruits/plant and primary branches/plant having maximum direct effect on yield.
The 26 lines were grouped into 4 clusters in each environment based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The intra and inter cluster distances and genotypes within clusters differed in the four trials.
The stable lines were moderately resistant to bacterial wilt. They had root galls caused by Meloidogyne incognita. Root volume was positively correlated with yield. Survey conducted on preference to color and shape showed that white long and purple long fruits were the most preferred. The stable brinjal lines possessed this economic value also.
