Evaluation of mean performance, genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in brinjal genotype (Solanum melongena L.)

A study was conducted during the autumn-winter season of 2023-24 at the Main Experiment Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Aacharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, to assess mean performance, genetic variability, heritability and genetic advancein27 brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes, including one check, using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The investigation evaluated 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits, including days to 50% flowering, fruit yield per plant, plant height, total soluble solids (TSS), and ascorbic acid content. Significant genetic variability was observed, with genotypes like NDB 23-25 excelling in fruit yield (3.25 kg/plant, 298.59 q/ha), fruit weight (264.00 g), and TSS (5.97%). NDB 18-5 and NDB 19-15 showed early flowering (48.33 days) and high yields (2.87 kg/plant). High heritability was recorded for fruit width (89.75%), average fruit weight (98.65%), ascorbic acid (96.98%), and yield per hectare (79.97%), coupled with high genetic advance, indicating strong additive gene action and potential for selection-based improvement. Moderate heritability was observed for days to 50% flowering (41.35%) and pedicel length (45.31%), suggesting environmental influence. These findings highlight NDB 23-25 and similar genotypes as promising candidates for enhancing yield and quality in brinjal through targeted selection.