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Genetic diversity plays a crucial role in harnessing the potential of crop genotypes for genetic improvement. It helps to identify, preserve, and utilize diverse landraces effectively. This research aimed to assess the level of genetic diversity and traits enhancing genetic variation among 46 brinjal genotypes (Solanum melongena L.) in preparation for a special breeding programme to utilize the potential landraces. Genetic divergence among 46 genotypes of brinjal for eleven characters was assessed using the D² method. The studied genotypes were categorized into eight clusters. Cluster I with 15 genotypes was the largest followed by Cluster IV (14 genotypes), Cluster V (7 genotypes), Cluster VII (4 genotypes), Cluster III (3 genotypes), Clusters II, VI, and VIII with one genotype each. The intra-cluster D² values ranged from 0.00 (Cluster II, VI and VII) to 103.53 (Cluster III). The inter-cluster distances varied from 117.00 to 791.17. Cluster II and Cluster VII had the greatest inter-cluster distance (791.17), followed by Cluster II and VIII (673.41), and Cluster VII and Cluster V had the smallest inter-cluster distance (117.00). Crossing genotypes in clusters with wide inter-cluster distances improves recombinant isolation in segregating generations. The three traits-number of flowers per inflorescence (23.8%), average fruit weight (17.68%) and days to first flowering (16.81%) altogether contribute to 57.8% of the total divergence. The combination of these traits could be useful to produce high-yielding climate resilient varieties from valuable landraces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on heterosis in brinjal was carried out during the year 2019-20 at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Annamalai University. Seven genotypes were hybridised in full diallel fashion and the resultant 42 hybrids were evaluated along with parents in RBD. The mean squares of the 11 traits revealed significant differences among the entries. The hybrid ICO-345590 x Arka Kusumkar recorded high heterobeltiosis for fruit yield per plant and its associated traits except for fruit grith, fruit length, plant height, and days to first harvest. High standard heterosis was recorded by the hybrid ICO-344674 x ICO-383119 for plant height, ICO-344674 x Arka Kusumkar for days to first harvest, Arka Kusumkar x ICO-345590 for fruit length and ICO-345590 x ICO-545862 for fruit girth. The application of heterosis in brinjal will aid in the production of superior cross combinations, which will help meet the expanding demand for brinjal due to its bioactive properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]