Genetic variability, character association, path analysis and genetic divergence in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) advanced breeding lines derived from local landraces of Odisha

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 at the All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar to evaluate advanced breeding lines of brinjal for round fruit shape, yield potential and tolerance to bacterial wilt. The study comprised 21 genotypes, including 19 advanced breeding lines derived from local landraces collected across Odisha and two standard checks, arranged in a randomised block design with 2 replications. Observations were recorded on growth, flowering, yield traits, fruit quality and disease incidence at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all 23 traits, indicating substantial variability and scope for selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for several key traits, including fruit length, total soluble solids, seeds per fruit, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit dry matter, total yield per plant and bacterial wilt resistance, suggesting strong potential for effective phenotypic selection. Correlation studies showed that total yield per plant was significantly and positively associated with fruit breadth, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. Path analysis further highlighted the traits such as plant height, primary branches, fruit breadth, leaf area, chlorophyll content and fruit number have direct positive effects on yield. The study concluded that presence of significant variations among the 23 traits provides a huge scope by direct selection through average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant towards development of brinjal varieties with high yield potential.