Influence of genotypes and environment on eggplant fruit length and width

Abstract

One of the goals in eggplant breeding (Solanum melongena L.) is higher yield, as well as adaptation to different environments. Our study included 20 different eggplant genotypes. The experiment was conducted at three different locations (Smederevska Palanka, Vranovo and Kusadak) using a randomized complete block design in three replications. The length and width of fruit were examined, characteristics important both for the shape and the weight of the fruit. Two-factors ANOVA determined a statistically significant influence of genotype and locality for fruit length and width. Average fruit lengths ranged from 134.86 mm (K19) to 246.07 mm (K38). The mean value of fruit length from the Kusadak locality was significantly (p<0.01) higher than the general average (181.58 mm), and significantly longer fruit length was recorded in 10 genotypes: K6, K13, K15, K16, K21, K22, K22, K25, K36 and K39. The highest average fruit width (120.05 mm) was recorded in genotype K19 and differed significantly in relation to the average values of other observed genotypes. The lowest average fruit width was recorded in the K38 genotype at Smederevska Palanka and Kusadak localities (54.33 mm and 54.82 mm). According to AMMI analysis, the least stable locality in terms of fruit length was Kusadak, while the most stable was Smederevska Palanka with an AMMI stability coefficient of 7.00. The most stable genotype was K3 (0.76). The locality Smederevska Palanka was the most stable for fruit width (9.50), while the most stable genotype was K7 (0.28). The least stable locality was Vranovo.