S02 - Session P5 - New hybrid creations of eggplants achieved at PGRB Buzau, Romania

Authors: Costel Vinatoru *, Camelia Bratu, Bianca Musat, Geanina Negosanu, Matilda Popescu, Florin Stanica

The Plant Genetic Resource Bank (PGRB)has a valuable eggplant collection of over 240 genotypes. Following an evaluation of the current market requirements, it was found that Romania is deficient in terms of hybrid creations for eggplants. Growers increasingly prefer F1 hybrids, being forced to purchase unknown hybrids, many of which are unsuitable for Romania's soil and climatic conditions. This research started with the evaluation of the germplasm collection, with a particular focus on old varieties and landraces. Following the evaluation, 62 genotypes with distinct phenotypic expression and genetically stabilized were retained. These lines were subjected to intensive breeding, testing the general combinative capacity, using the autochthonous Danubiana and Bucurestene varieties as test genitors. Of these, 28 genotypes passed the general combinative test and were subjected to specific combinative tests. Of these, three combinations showed superiority in terms of heterosis manifestation, obtaining valuable results regarding the uniformity in F1, production capacity and resistance to the main pathogens: H2F1BRGV21 (Danubiana x L50), H13F1BRGV21 (Bucurestene x L28), H20F1BRGV21 (Pana corbului x L54). The Rebeca F1 hybrid was used as a control variant. [TU3] In terms of fruit weight, H13F1BRGV21 recorded a fruit weight of 590 g, H20F1BRGV21 recorded a fruit weight of 572 g, and H2F1BRGV21 recorded a fruit weight of 380 g, lower than the control Rebeca F1 with a fruit weight of 550 g. In terms of total production, H13F1BRGV21 and H20F1BRGV21 outperformed the control variant, and H2F1BRGV21 recorded a smaller but earlier production. In 2022, these creations will be proposed for patenting at ISTIS Romania.