Ekhlaque Ahmad1
Abstract
Collection, improvement and characterization of genetic resources is the first step of any crop improvement programme. Elite genotypes are usually selected from the genetic-stock with desirable traits for certain breeding programme. This investigation consisted of 85 genotypes of brinjal collected from different sources viz., 64 genotypes developed at Zonal Research Station, Chianki, 12 from ICAR, RCER, Ranchi Centre, Plandu (Ranchi) and rest entries from other sources. All 85 genotypes of brinjal were taken to characterize for 13 morphological characters and 10 quantitative characters. Significant difference was observed in all characters under studies. A wide range of morphological as well as yield and yield attributes variations exists among the genotypes of brinjal viz., plant type, colour of stem, leaf, petiole, mid-rib, pricklness (spinyness), flowering habit, fruit shape, size, colour and yield potential. Like any other crop plants yield is also the ultimate goal of evaluation of breeding material in this crop, thus fruit yield per plant and per hectare were analyzed along with other growth and yield attributing traits using suitable statistical methods. Significantly highest yield per hectare was recorded in the genotype CB-27 with the adjusted mean value of 471.20 q/ha and 368.56 q/ha during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively followed by CB-1 with the adjusted mean value of 469.95 q/ha and 359.75 q/ha during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. The best check (Swarna Pratibha) gave comparatively better yield with the adjusted mean value of 1.28 kg/plant and 2.83 q/ha during 2016-17 whereas, in the same genotype with the adjusted mean yield was 1.25 kg/plant and 278.61 q/ha during 2017-18. On the basis of these studies, it can be concluded that the genotypes CB-27 and CB-1 may be recommended for the commercial exploitation of brinjal during rabi season in this region as well as adjoining areas of the same agro-climatic conditions.