Evaluation of brinjal genotypes for morphological characters, yield performance and resistance to bacterial wilt and shoot and fruit borer

Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) are major concerns in cultivation of eggplant in Jharkhand and even in the other parts of the country. Keeping their adverse impact on quality production, nine brinjal genotypes were evaluated for three consecutive crop seasons against bacterial wilt and shoot and fruit borer. Results revealed wide range of variations among genotypes for important morphological characters viz., colour of stem, leaf, petiole, mid-rib, prickleness (spinyness), fruit shape, colour and fruit yield. The genotypes, CB-27, CB41 and CB-1 showed resistance showing the lowest bacterial wilt incidence ranging from 2.7 to 4.5 per cent and minimum mean infestation of shoot borer ranging from 2.92 to 3.97 per cent with significantly higher fruit yield. Resistance against wilt and shoot and fruit borer depicted a significant importance for the breeders as well as for the commercial growers of this crop. On the basis of these findings, the superior genotypes viz., CB-1 (egg shaped & purple fruit), CB-27 (oblong & purple fruit) and CB-41 (oblong & light green fruit) could be recommended for commercial cultivation in the state of Jharkhand and adjoining areas of the similar agro-climatic conditions.