"ILLUMINATING THE GENETIC LANDSCAPE: INVESTIGATING BRINJAL DIVERSITY VIA QUANTITATIVE TRAIT ANALYSIS"

This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes and its implications for breeding programs. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on sixty brinjal accessions, utilizing morphological characterization and Mahalanobis's D2 statistics to assess the genotypic variations. The genotypes were classified into distinct clusters based on their cluster means and inter-cluster distances, providing insights into the extent of genetic dissimilarities. The identification of superior genotypes with desirable traits holds promising prospects for breeding programs, particularly for enhancing fruit yield and addressing deficiencies in branch density and fruit volume. Additionally, genotypes from a cluster exhibiting early flowering characteristics were highlighted, offering potential opportunities for the development of early flowering cultivars. The study further examined the contributions of different traits to genetic divergence, with total soluble sugars and fruits per plant emerging as significant influencers. These findings provide valuable insights and guidance for breeders, empowering them to make informed decisions in selecting parental combinations and harnessing the genetic diversity of brinjal germplasm. By leveraging this diversity, breeders can expedite the development of brinjal cultivars with enhanced traits and increased productivity. Overall, this study contributes to the body of knowledge on brinjal genetics and serves as a valuable resource for the advancement of breeding programs in this important vegetable crop. By incorporating genotypes from different clusters, breeders can maximize the potential for developing brinjal varieties that are well-adapted to various agro-climatic conditions and exhibit improved nutritional qualities and resistance to pests and diseases