LAUSR

Genetic diversity in eggplant cultivars has drastically decreased due to developed varieties having similar desirable characteristics. In recent years, the breeders have taken much effort to enrich eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genome by utilizing local populations and wild relatives similarly to the case of other plant species. In addition, wild relatives make it possible to benefit from their resistance genes which provide tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress factors. In this study, preservation and maintenance of genetic diversity by utilizing wild eggplant species to alleviate the restrictions in eggplant breeding programs caused by the limited genetic background through creating interspecific crosses was established as the main goal. In total, nine species chosen among the wild relatives of eggplant were crossed with two inbred lines developed from Solanum melongena L. Hybrid seed was available only in five crosses. Just, 38 lines developed in F4 stage from Solanum insanum. These lines were examined morphologically by using 27 descriptors. The data was analyzed by NTSYSpc: Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System (Version 2.0) program for understanding their phylogenetic relationship. A high variance changing in between 27% and 97% was observed among them. This result showed that they have good potentials to be used in breeding programs.