DUS Characterization in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Germplasm

Extensive diversity exists in cultivated brinjal in terms of its agro-morphological traits. Comprehensive field surveys were performed and sixteen pure, local types of brinjal accessions were collected and evaluated. The aim of present study was to assess the nature of genetic variation for qualitative characters in brinjal and to identify most promising genotypes for utilization in crop improvement programmes. Sixteen qualitative characters were subjected to evaluation as per DUS guidelines. Variations were recorded for most of the characters such as flower colour (purple/white/green); presence or absence of spines on leaves, calyx,; calyx colour (purple/green); varying fruit shape such as elongated (ellipsoid and cylindrical), round (globular, ovoid and obovate) and oval (pear and club shaped). The present study documented the brinjal genetic resources for the east coastal regions of Tamilnadu which are under cultivation in these regions for further evaluation and utilization in crop improvement programs.