Development of a brinjal hybrid with innate resistance to brinjal shoot and fruit borer ( Leucinodes orbonalis )

The study intended to develop an F1 generation with natural tolerance to the brinjal shoot and fruit borer as a traditional method to combat this pest. Thirty-one Solanum accessions from eight distinct species—melongena, incanum, aethiopicum, insanum, indicum, exarmatum, viarum, and virginianum—were field-tested for their resistance to the brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis. Following observations from the screening experiment, IC618044, IC618035, IC624241, Arka Kusumkar, and Vengeri, categorized as resistant or moderately resistant, and were chosen as testers for hybridization with highly susceptible lines like Haritha, Ponni, and Arka Neelkanth. Hybrids and parents were field-tested alongside the "Neelima" as a benchmark to measure the infestation by the borer. The study aimed to understand the biophysical and biochemical aspects contributing to resistance. Additionally, sensory evaluation was conducted to identify the superior hybrid concerning edible characteristics. The investigation identified four hybrids that excelled in yield, quality, and the basis of resistance. Among these, the Ponni × Vengeri hybrid emerged as the most superior. These four superior hybrids show promise for further advancement pending stability trials. Mapping populations could be developed from the segregating generations to create markers that identify resistance to the brinjal fruit and shoot borer.