Genetic variability and divergence studies in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Study on the genetic components was carried out to assess the variability, association, direct and indirect effects and divergence of eight morpho-economic characters in thirty four Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)genotypes. Higher values for PCV and GCV were recorded for the characters viz., number of branches per plant, fruit length, fruit breadth, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. All characters were accompanied by high heritability and genetic advance, except for days to 50 per cent flowering. The characters were mostly controlled by additive gene action, hence simple selection will be effective for these characters. The characters such as number of branches per plant, fruit breadth, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight exhibited positive and significant association with fruit yield per plant. Path correlation analysis indicated that the number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight had direct effects on fruit yield per plant. The selection of genotypes based on these analyzed parameters can be utilized for further improvement.