Genetic variability and trait association in organically grown genotypes in Brinjal

organically produced vegetables have great demand among health- conscious people. Genotypes with high yield in high input agriculture do not necessarily result in higher yield under organic production. An experiment was conducted to assess the performance of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) germplasm under organic conditions during 2017. The analysis of variance showed significant variation for all the traits studied. High Genotypic Coefficient of Variation was found for the number of fruits/plant, average fruit weight, marketable yield/plant, yield/plant, and total yield/hectare. High heritability with high genetic advance as percent over mean was found for fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruit/plant, average fruit weight, marketable yield/plant, and total yield/plant indicating inheritance of these traits is controlled by additive genes. Based on correlation and path coefficient analysis, number of fruits/plant and marketable yield/plant were most promising selection indices for improving yield under organic conditions. D² values for 46 genotypes were grouped into 7 clusters. Cluster II exhibited maximum intra-cluster diversity and maximum inter-cluster divergence occurred between clusters I and II. Genotypes PB-109, PB-111, Pusa Anupam, and Pusa Purple Cluster had comparatively higher yielder with lowest fruit borer infestation and may be suitable for cultivation with organic/low input agriculture.