Phomopsis blight in eggplant and strategies to manage through resistance breeding

ABSTRACT

Phomopsis blight is one of the most devastating diseases of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) causing heavy yield and quality loss. The pathogen is widely distributed in all eggplant-growing regions of the world and still a major challenge for the biologist, breeder around the globe. The most sustainable approach is the development of high-yielding resistant varieties using resistance sources and advanced breeding tools. Resistance sources have been identified by many researchers but limited success has been achieved in developing high-yielding resistant variety (s). Wide range of genetic diversity and recent genome sequencing of eggplant made it possible to accelerate the breeding of resistant variety (s). Use of wild species showed their possible use in grafting technology as potential root stocks. This review is compiled to provide information available up-to-date regarding the disease and its management strategies through breeding approach including identification of resistance source, inheritance of resistance and application of advanced breeding tools for utilisation breeding programme.

KEYWORDS:

• Eggplant
• Phomopsis vexans
• resistance
• management
• breeding

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).