Morphological Diversity and Yield Assessment of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) under Southern Telangana Conditions

Abstract

The study was conducted during Rabi 2024–25 at the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Telangana, to assess genetic variability, trait associations and divergence among 20 brinjal genotypes. Considerable variability was observed among genotypes with respect to stem colour, leaf morphology, corolla colour, fruit colour, fruit distribution and presence of prickles. Stem colour ranged from green to purple 1green, while leaf colour was predominantly green across all genotypes. Variations were evident in corolla colour, which included purple, light purple and white, whereas fruit colour exhibited a wide spectrum such as green, purple, shiny purple, dull green, milky white and purple black with either uniform or striped distribution. Fruit shapes were categorized into round, oblong and long types, with differential expression of prickles on stem, midrib, epicalyx, leaves and petioles across genotypes. In addition, quantitative evaluation of ten morphological traits revealed wide genetic variability across genotypes. Plant height ranged from 70.92 cm to 100.91 cm, while days to 50% flowering varied from 25 to 50.50 days. Significant differences were also recorded for fruit length (4.53–13.63 cm), average fruit weight (34.15–76.93 g), number of fruits per plant (18.60–40.43) and total yield per hectare (19.37–61.00 t/ha). The genotype IC-354511 showed maximum yield potential, while IC-104076 and IC-111018 were identified as early maturing with long fruits and prickle-free traits. The observed variability suggests potential for direct selection and hybridization programs aimed at improving yield and market-preferred qualities in brinjal.