Morphological Characterisation of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Genotypes

Abstract

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop with appreciable diversity in plant, floral and fruit traits. Morphological characterisation using standard descriptors is necessary for varietal identification, germplasm conservation and parent selection. The present study characterised 20 brinjal genotypes during the rabi season of 2024–25 at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, College of Horticulture, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad. The genotypes were evaluated using 36 morphological descriptors based on PPV&FRA guidelines, and observations were recorded from five randomly selected plants from each genotype. Disease and pest responses were also assessed for Fusarium wilt and shoot and fruit borer incidence. The evaluated genotypes showed considerable variation in vegetative, floral and fruit characters. All genotypes expressed green leaf blade colour, whereas leaf pubescence varied from sparse to dense. Most genotypes had a semi-spreading growth habit, while Pusa Hara Baigan exhibited a spreading habit, and Pusa Purple Long and Bhagyamathi showed an erect habit. Fruit traits displayed marked variability, including differences in fruit growth pattern, apex shape, skin colour, stripes, calyx spininess and pedicle prickles. Fruit length ranged from 4.20 cm in IC-090031 to 14.00 cm in IC-104076. Reproductive variation was also observed, with the number of flowers per inflorescence ranging from 3 to 11. Fusarium wilt incidence varied from 2.40% to 38.90%, while shoot and fruit borer incidence ranged from 2.90% to 35.60%. IC-354525 and IC-354511 recorded comparatively lower incidence for both constraints. The observed diversity may support varietal identification and provide useful material for future brinjal breeding programmes.