Comparison of Eggplant Genotypes and Their Wild Solanum Relatives in Terms of Root System Architecture

Abstract

Genetic diversity facilitates the adaptation of plants to diverse environments and enables researchers to select superior genotypes adapted to specific growing conditions. In order to ascertain the root architecture and rooting potential of eggplants, wild relatives of eggplant sent by AVRDC landrace and commercially used eggplant cultivar were utilised.The root anatomy of the rootstocks was examined using the WinRhizo root analysis imaging device and root structures and rooting levels were determined. The following parameters were measured after 10, 20 and 30 days: root length, root diameter, root volume, root surface area, number of branches and tips. The data obtained revealed that the root length ranged from 1470.5 to 2762 cm, the root diameter from 1.89 to 2.99 mm, the root volume from 36.6 to 90.6 cm3, and the root surface area from 836.3 to 1393.1 cm2, number of branches from 10103.7 to 25717.0, number of tips from 5785.0 to 13623.0. As a consequence of the evaluations, it was revealed that S. scabrum, S. nigrum and S. aethiopicum genotypes were distinguished in numerous root parameters and demonstrated optimal rooting potential, thus rendering them suitable for incorporation into rootstock breeding programs.