Studies on Heterosis and Development of Hybrid Variety in Brinjal (Solanum Melongena L.)*

Heterosis was manifested over the better-parents for fruit yield and days to flowering while over the mid-parent it exhibited for fruit yield, number of fruits, weight of fruit and size of fruit. The maximum hybrid-vigour for fruit yield was present to the extent of 156.9 per cent over the better-parent in the hybrid, Arka Kusumakar x Supreme. Out of the fifteen hybrids, the hybrid combination IIHR 22-1 x Supreme named Aark Navneet proved to be the best combination for fruit-quality and yield. The fruits of this hybrid are round to oblong, bright deep purple colour, contain more edible flesh and less seeds and have a good texture and flavour. Each fruit weighs 270 to 300 g at the marketable stage and fruits retain their bright purple colour even beyond the marketable stage. About 13 to 16 fruits are produced per plant giving the yield ranging from 688 to 744 Q/ha depending on the area and season.