Biophysical and biochemical basis of resistance to fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guennee) in eggplant

Abstract

Host plant resistance is an important component for minimizing the yield losses in eggplant due to fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) (Leucinodes orbonalis). Present study was taken up with 23 eggplant accessions comprising eight resistant, eleven susceptible to fruit and shoot borer, and four cultivated varieties (Pusa Shyamla, Pusa Ankur, KS331 and Punjab Sadabahar) to investigate the influence of biophysical and biochemical factors conferring pest resistance. Results indicated that five germplasm accessions, viz. IC280954, IC099723, IC111013, IC111033 and EC038474 were found resistant as the infestation levels were less than 15% on number basis. Green coloured, oblong and round shaped fruits with high number of seeds had less infestation. Protein (r = 0.48), sugars (r = 0.65) and moisture content (r = 0.97) of fruits showed significant positive correlation, while phenols (r = -0.89), flavonols (r = -0.83), dietary fibre (r = -0.92), ash (r = -0.83) and starch (r = -0.88) contents showed significantly negative correlation with per cent fruit infestation. The eggplant accessions of with green colour, oblong and round shaped fruits, low sugar and high polyphenols could be used in breeding programmes for developing resistant cultivars to fruit and shoot borer.