Evaluating the proximate compositions, antioxidants, and minerals of brinjal hybrids and their progenitor (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

The current study assessed eleven eggplant genotypes—five parent plants and six hybrid populations—for their proximate, antioxidant, and mineral content. Moisture ranged from Akshita (89.90%) to CHT-2 (81.92%), with Akshita having the highest crude protein level (24.11%), whereas genotypes of HVSP-4, CHT-2, and HVSP-5 had statistically comparable crude fat, carbohydrates, and ash content. All genotypes showed greater IC50 values than ascorbic acid, indicating lower antioxidants. The hybrid and parent plants exhibit strong TPC, TFC, and TTC. HVSP-1, like its parent CHT-2, has the greatest TFC content (21.58 µg/ml). Neither parents nor hybrids differ much in TTC. Both genotypes had lead (Pb) levels within human tolerance. Furthermore, the present investigation observed considerable amounts of important minerals such as calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) on both types of genotypes. Thus, hybrid eggplants contain considerable levels of phytochemicals identical to those found in parent plants while efficiently avoiding BFSB.