Genetic variability and correlation studies in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present investigation was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, during the period 2014 - 2015 to asses the extent of genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path coefficient analysis of 60 genotypes of brinjal for yield and shoot and fruit borer tolerance. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The maximum phenotypic and genotypic variation was noted for fruit yield per plant followed by fruit weight, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant and shoot and fruit borer incidence. High heritability along with high estimates of GCV, genetic advance and genetic gain were observed for fruit yield per plant, fruit weight, number of secondary branches per plant and shoot and fruit borer incidence. Among the sixteen morphological characters studied, number of long styled flowers per plant, number of short styled flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, days to first harvesting and shoot and fruit borer incidence showed positive direct effect. For fruit weight, fruit girth and number of fruits per plant were observed positive and significant correlation. It is suggested that the greater emphasis should be given for selection of these characters.