Effect of Hybridization on the Nutrient Compositions of Two Cultivars of Solanum aethiopicum L. (Solanaceae) Found in Anambra State

Abstract

The desire for modification of valuable crop species for human nutritional fulfilment and economic growth is essential. Two cultivars of Solanum aethiopicum L. found in Anambra State were hybridized to raise an F1 that might combine the attributes of the parental lines for enhancement in yield and biochemical contents for health nutritional requirements. The emasculation method was adopted, using Solanum aethiopicum var “Anara Adazi as the female parent and transference of functional pollen from Solanum aethiopicum var “Anara” to the stigmas of the emasculated plant at the correct time. Nutrient analysis of the fruits of F1 and the parental plants was carried out using the standard method. Analysis of variance was used for data analysis. Results revealed that parental plants and F1 contained investigated nutrients in varied amounts. Ash content, crude fiber and protein were higher in the fruit of F1 hybrid (10.90±0.11, 21.50±1.51, and 5.01±0.24) respectively when compared to the fruits of the parental plants. Data obtained indicated that when two Solanum aethiopicum plants of different but closely related cultivars are crossbred, a new hybrid that possesses enhanced characteristics of the two parent plants are produced. Results of the nutrients analysis demonstrated that hybridization could significantly increase food nutrients in eggplant (S. aethiopicum).