Evaluation of the productivity potential of eggplant lines developed on the basis of interspecific hybridisation and gametic breeding

Abstract

Purpose. Improvement of the gene pool of the cultivated form of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) through interspecific hybridisation with Solanum aethiopicum L. and gametic breeding; analysis of the interspecific lines for a set of valuable quantitative traits determining the yield structure. Methods. Studies for the comprehensive evaluation of eggplant lines of interspecific origin were carried out during 2021-2023 in protected soil conditions at the experimental base of the Institute for Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences. Phenological observations and biometric measurements of plants of four lines were carried out. The stability of the manifestation of seven quantitative traits during the research years was determined by the methods of variation statistics (calculation of the mean square deviation (σ), coefficient of variation (V), Pearson's paired linear correlation (rp)). Results. The analysis identified eggplant lines of interspecific origin that were superior to the standard variety 'Almaz' in terms of the level and stability of quantitative traits. Thus, F6(Pavlotas-20/var. 'Almaz')I1 and ВС1[F5 (Pavlotas-20/var. 'Almaz')]I1 showed a statistically significant increase in fruit width (by 16.48% and 14.85%, respectively). Meanwhile, line BC2 [F5 (Pavlotas-20/var. 'Almaz')]I1 exhibited higher productivity (by 18.11%) compared to the standard variety. The correlation analysis shows that the trait “Productivity of one plant” has a strong positive relationship with the trait “Number of fruits per plant” (rp = 0.75) and a strong negative relationship with “Average fruit width” (rp = -0.70) and “Duration of the period from mass germination to technical fruit maturity” (rp = -0.72). The selected line BC2[F5(Pavlotas-20 / var. 'Almaz')]I1 exhibited a four-day shorter period from mass germination to technical fruit maturity compared to the standard variety. Conclusions. The line BC2[F5(Pavlotas-20 / var. ' Almaz ')]I1was isolated based on the complex of quantitative traits. It underwent an additional stage of gametophytic breeding, resulting in a high adaptive potential to growing conditions.