Dataset on rbcL gene intra and inter-specific diversity and phylogenetic relationship of eggplants (Solanum species) in Southern Nigeria

Eggplant (<i>Solanum</i> sp.) is the third most widely cultivated solanaceous vegetable globally, and it is commonly consumed in Nigeria, particularly in Southern Nigeria, for its nutritious and medicinal fruit, leaves, and seeds. The taxon has recorded array of ethnobotanical uses ranging from food, medicine to cultural interactions in ceremonies. Despite the enormous range of a value, studies have shown decreasing eggplant varietal diversity, directly linked with cultivation preferences and activities, such as exchanging propagules within and between agroecological areas and farms. Additionally, the wide range of accessions in the taxa, morphological plasticity, and genetic similarity among accessions have resulted in the ambiguity and inconsistent phylogenetic classification of the taxa. The dataset consists of partial ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (<i>rbcL</i>) gene sequences, nucleotide compositions and amino acid profiles of 75 accessions of eggplants collected from across Southern Nigeria. The genetic information provided by the dataset offers insight into the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of the eggplant accessions, which could serve as a baseline for designing effective strategies for sustainable cultivation, conservation, utilisation, and improvement of the taxa.