Genetic analysis in eggplant (Solanum melongena) hybrids for high‐rainfall areas utilizing diverse germplasm with respect to fruit shape and colour

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, 20 F1 cross combinations developed through diallel mating design utilizing five diverse parents, namely, Res‐1, Res‐2, Hisar Shyamal, Arka Nidhi, and Arka Keshav, with respect to shape and colour of the fruits were evaluated to derive information on combining ability and heterosis for yield and yield contributing traits in eggplant. Parents Res‐2, Hisar Shyamal, and Arka Nidhi were recognized as good general combiners for most of the horticultural traits. Cross combinations, namely, Res‐2 × Arka Nidhi, Hisar Shyamal × Res‐1, and Arka Nidhi × Hisar Shyamal, recorded high SCA values for fruit yield and related traits. Cross combinations Res‐2 × Arka Nidhi, Arka Nidhi × Hisar Shyamal, Hisar Shyamal × Res‐1, and Res‐2 × Res‐1 were found to be superior based on estimates of heterosis for fruit yield. Heterosis was positively correlated with SCA, the sum of the parental GCA indicating more effective predictions of the performance of various cross combinations. These unique cross combinations, Res‐2 × Res‐1 (medium–long shape and mixed colour), Res‐2 × Arka Nidhi (long and purple), Hisar Shyamal × Res‐1 (round and purple), and Arka Nidhi × Hisar Shyamal (oblong and purple), were found to be superior based on specific combining ability and heterosis for most of the horticultural traits. Therefore, these can be utilized for fixing genes in subsequent generations to increase the chance of recovering desirable transgressive segregants with improved traits for high rainfall areas in eggplant for better economic returns.