Morphogical and molecular markers based assessment of genetic diversity in eggplant

In the present study, twenty-six eggplant genotypes were characterized using morphological traits and seventy simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Information of the genetic diversity of eggplant is imperative to support management and conservation programme that will subsequently aid in sustainable production of this crop. Multivariate analysis (Principal component analysis, cluster analysis and Mahalanobis D²) and UPGMA was done in order to group the genotypes into clusters. On the basis of morphological traits, the genotypes grouped in cluster IV and VI can be selected in crop improvement program because of their highest inter-cluster distance (56.43). Genotypes of cluster II were heterogeneous and showed highest intra-cluster distance (12.71). PCA suggested that 76.73% of the total variation was explained by the first 8 PCs. Out of 70 SSR markers used, 40 were polymorphic and 30 monomorphic. The average PIC value and number of alleles were 0.50 and 2.55 per markers, respectively. On the basis of PIC values and number of alleles, emi03K06 was most informative polymorphic marker. The morphological and molecular evaluation of set of 26 eggplant genotypes will serve as source for generation of elite varieties with desirable characters.