Genetic Diversity and Utilization of Cultivated Eggplant Germplasm in Varietal Improvement

Eggplant is the fifth economically most important vegetable in Solanaceae family after tomato, potato, chili, and tobacco. Apart from well-cultivated brinjal or aubergine eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), two other underutilized species, African (S. macrocarpon L.) scarlet aethiopicum were also cultivated with local importance where leaves fruits are used for food medicinal purposes. The major objectives of breeding program to improve fruit quality, increase yield performance through heterosis breeding, introduce pest disease resistances wild relatives. Europe Asia hold a wide collection germplasm resources significant potential genetic improvement. While susceptible several fungi bacteria, many relatives offer resistance these pathogens. In this paper, we review diversity its As point departure, examine economic importance, domestication, taxonomy characterization, relationships crop evaluating safeguarding highlighted, as highly underrepresented. A key section study an overview dedicated resources, biotic abiotic stresses, pre-breeding, sustainable production.