Genetic variability and heritability in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

High heritability estimates in narrow sense were observed for length of fruit, width of fruit and weight per fruit in F1 generation. Other characters showed moderate heritability in both the generation. High genetic advance in weight per fruit and plant height was observed for single cycle of selection in F1 generation. The probable genetic gain was high for weight per fruit, length of fruit and width of leaf. For fruit yield per plant it was more than 4.5% per cycle of selection. Th e highest coefficient variability was found for number of branches per plant followed by number of fruits per plant, width of leaf, length of fruit in parents, F1s populations at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Biparental matting as well as matting among selected plants in early segregating generation would also help in developing population having optimum homozygous and heterozygous balance.