Screening of Eggplant Germplasm Against Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia Solanacearum and its Chemical Evaluation

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), an important vegetable crop widely grown across tropical and subtropical regions, is significantly threatened by bacterial wilt (BW), caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. This soil-borne pathogen affects over 200 plant species and is difficult to manage due to its persistence in the soil and the lack of effective chemical controls. In this study, twenty brinjal varieties were screened under controlled conditions to evaluate their resistance against BW. The varieties were inoculated with R. solanacearum and examined for disease symptoms based on mortality rates over a 70-day period. Results indicated that one variety, ‘NEELUM-23, exhibited complete resistance (0% mortality). On the other hand, three varieties, LBH-001, DILNASHEEN, and DSC-BR-1351were classified as highly susceptible. Six varieties including HUS-401, BE MISSAL, UX-401, AGHS-B2-92, BLACK LONG, and ‘DIAMOND, were found to be susceptible. Meanwhile, ten varieties NIRALA, LBH-002, BLACK ROUND, URIB-2013, DIL, LAYYAH, BLACK DIAMOND, BRINJAL 2223, BLACK BRINJAL and SAHANA1010 exhibited a moderately resistant reaction to the disease. Additionally, chemical treatments were assessed over two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) using five different formulations: Kasomin (T1), Kocide (T2), X-spore (T3), Z-one (T4), and an untreated control (T5). Among them, Kasomin (T1) and Z-one (T4) showed the highest efficacy, reducing mortality by up to 75% compared to the control. Kocide (T2) and X-spore (T3) were moderately effective, while the untreated control exhibited the highest plant mortality (80%). These findings highlight ‘NEELUM-23’ as a promising resistant genotype for breeding programs and support the use of Kasomin and Z-one as effective chemical options for managing bacterial wilt in eggplant