Studies on genetic diversity in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Genetic divergence among fifty six brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes was investigated based on twelve agronomic traits. Significant variations were observed among the brinjal genotypes for all the traits studied. D2 analysis resolved fiftysix genotypes into as many as eight clusters. Maximum genotypes were gathered in cluster V (27 genotypes); followed by cluster IV (11 genotypes); cluster VII (07 genotypes), cluster I (04 genotypes). Cluster II, III and IV each had two genotypes. Cluster VIII was a monogenotypic one. The intra-cluster distance was maximum with the cluster I. The genotypes grouped in this cluster may also be different genetically. On other hand, the genotypes grouped in the cluster IX may be similar for the traits of interest due to minimum intra-cluster distance. The inter-cluster distance was maximum betweenthe clusters VI and cluster II. The genotypes gathered in these clusters might be different genetically and utilized in crossing programme to get heterotic hybrids and/ or superior recombinants (segregants).