Categorization of Diverse and Stable Extant Cultivars of Brinjal by using Pheno-morphometric DUS Characters

A total of 81 extant cultivars of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) were evaluated for 47 botany based morphometric descriptors from various parts of a plant viz., seedling, stem, leaves, flowers and fruits, etc., as well as characterized on the basis of distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. All the cultivars were analyzed for diversity and stability. In the present study, all the cultivars exhibited distinct and uniform characters. The economic importance of all the botanical traits were also discussed during the study. The cluster analysis grouped the varieties in four major and 10 sub-clusters, indicating a high level of genetic diversity within 81 extant cultivars. The stability analysis indicate a significant interaction between the cultivars and environment for yield contributing charaters. These yield related traits showed stability for most cultivars in different environments. The characterized morphometric characters in this study would be helpful for creating a database for brinjal while the genetically stable cultivars can be cultivated in any climatic region and be utilized for the improvement programme of brinjal.