Breeding potential of brinjal genotypes for fruit and shoot borer resistance using multivariate analysis

Abstract

Deploying resistant varieties as a means of fruit and shoot borer (FSB) control in brinjal is attractive because it requires no additional cost and environment friendly. The objective of the study was to estimate genetic diversity among 27 brinjal genotypes through multivariate analysis for identifying potential donor(s) resistant preferably against FSB in future breeding. Genotypes were grouped into six distinct clusters emphasizing the relative contribution of 16 quantitative characters to total variability. Geographical diversity was not adequate as an index of genetic diversity. Fruit shape and susceptibility to FSB infestation need to be considered at the time of grouping brinjal genotypes. The principal components, fruit weight, plant height, fruit borer infestation, phenol content of shoot and shoot borer infestation, had eigenvalues >1 and together accounted for 83.33% of total variation. Based on multivariate analysis and average values, genotypes ‘BCB-50, BCB-11 (Cluster VI), BCB-30, BCB-40, Garia (Cluster V), and Punjab Sadabahar (Cluster I) were identified as potential donors that could be passed on to breeders not only for FSB resistant breeding but also for improvement in yield and better fruit quality.