Evaluation of F1 hybrids against root knot nematode (<i>Meloidogyne incognita</i>) resistance in Brinjal (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.)

Brinjal is one of the most important commercial solanaceous vegetable crops. Root knot nematodes cause severe yield losses in brinjal both in open and poly house conditions. Host plant resistance is considered to be a viable solution and cost-effective method to manage the root knot nematodes. Ten genotypes along with their nineteen F1 hybrids were screened for resistance to root knot nematode and biochemical basis of resistance was assessed. Two F1 hybrids viz., IIHR-824 x VI046101, IIHR-824 x IIHR-766, parents viz., IIHR-824 and VI046103 were found to be resistance to M. incognita with gall index/ egg mass index of 1. Three F1 hybrids, IIHR-824 x IIHR-356, IIHR-824 x IIHR-835, VI046103 x IIHR-834 showed moderately resistant reaction. The root biochemical compounds analysis indicated that, total phenolic content (67.05 mg/g) and flavonoids (121.32 mg/g) were found higher in the inoculated roots of resistant line i.e. IIHR-824 indicating their role in conferring resistance. The identified F1 hybrids having resistance can be explored for commercial cultivation.