Elucidation of gene action and estimation of combining ability effects for fruit yield attributes and biochemical traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present investigation was undertaken in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) to estimate combining ability and gene action following a half diallel mating design using ten parents. The ratio of genetic variance components, σ²_gca/σ²_sca and σ²_D/σ²_A, showed dominant gene action, indicating the presence of non-additive genetic variance for days to 50% flowering, fruit yield per plant, total phenol, antioxidant activity and total soluble sugar. The traits fruits per plant, fruit girth, and fruit weight showed additive genetic variance. Among the parental genotypes, AB 15-08, ABSR 2 and AB 20-13 were found to be good general combiners for fruit yield, fruits per plant, and total soluble solids. The three highest-ranking hybrids were AB 15-08 × AB 20-13, AB 15-08 × AB 20-03 and AB 20-07 × GP BRJ 224. The above hybrids would be rewarding for harnessing heterosis.