Elucidation of genetic diversity through Multivariate analysis in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) landraces for varietal improvement

Genetic diversity plays a crucial role in harnessing the potential of crop genotypes for genetic improvement. It helps to identify, preserve, and utilize diverse landraces effectively. This research aimed to assess the level of genetic diversity and traits enhancing genetic variation among 46 brinjal genotypes (Solanum melongena L.) in preparation for a special breeding programme to utilize the potential landraces. Genetic divergence among 46 genotypes of brinjal for eleven characters was assessed using the D2 method. The studied genotypes were categorized into eight clusters. Cluster I with 15 genotypes was the largest followed by Cluster IV (14 genotypes), Cluster V (7 genotypes), Cluster VII (4 genotypes), Cluster III (3 genotypes), Clusters II, VI, and VIII with one genotype each. The intra-cluster D2 values ranged from 0.00 (Cluster II, VI and VII) to 103.53 (Cluster III). The inter-cluster distances varied from 117.00 to 791.17. Cluster II and Cluster VII had the greatest inter-cluster distance (791.17), followed by Cluster II and VIII (673.41), and Cluster VII and Cluster V had the smallest inter-cluster distance (117.00). Crossing genotypes in clusters with wide inter-cluster distances improves recombinant isolation in segregating generations. The three traits- number of flowers per inflorescence (23.8%), average fruit weight (17.68%) and days to first flowering (16.81%) altogether contribute to 57.8% of the total divergence. The combination of these traits could be useful to produce high-yielding climate resilient varieties from valuable landraces.