Resistance Profiling of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Landraces of Tamil Nadu and Development of Resistant Hybrids against Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee)

Background: The study aimed to collect brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) landraces from different districts of Tamil Nadu followed by evaluation of landraces resistance to the shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) and utilize the best-performing resistant landraces in hybrid development under resistance breeding. Methods: Twenty landraces were screened under field conditions using a randomized block design with three replications and percent fruit infestation was recorded across three harvests (105, 115 and 125 days after sowing). Result: The results revealed substantial variability in pest response, with mean fruit infestation ranging from 9.68% to 41.44%. Based on resistance categories, two landraces, Karur Kathiri and Vellur Mulkathiri were identified as highly resistant, while eight showed moderate to fair resistance. Four genotypes displayed lower resistance, five were susceptible and Vellai Urutu Kathiri was classified as highly susceptible. The resistant landraces were subsequently used in hybridization with elite high-yielding cultivar to develop F1 hybrids combining both yield advantage and pest resistance. The identified resistant landraces represent valuable genetic resources for brinjal improvement and their successful utilization in hybrid breeding demonstrates the potential for developing high-yielding, pest-resistant cultivars. The study highlights the importance of leveraging native germplasm for sustainable pest management and reducing dependence on chemical insecticides in brinjal production.