Evaluation of Some Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Cultivars of Karbi Anglong District, Assam for Growth, Yield and Profitability

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out during the rabi season (December, 2023 to May, 2024) to evaluate the morphological and yield performance of seven brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cultivars collected from the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and seven treatments corresponding to the cultivars. Significant variations were recorded among the cultivars for various growth and yield-related parameters. Cultivar C₁ exhibited the maximum plant height throughout the growth stages, while C₃ recorded the minimum. Cultivar C₅ showed vigorous vegetative growth, producing the highest number of leaves and branches. Although cultivar C₇ produced the longest fruits (26.80 cm) with the greatest circumference (19.76 cm) and heaviest individual fruits (139.65 g), cultivar C₅ recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (26.12) and the maximum yield plant^-1 (1.12 kg). On a yield basis, C₅ achieved the highest total yield (26.67 t ha^-1) and the maximum benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of 3.94:1, indicating its superior performance. In contrast, C₁ recorded the lowest yield (14.28 t ha^-1) and the minimum B:C ratio (2.11:1). The observed differences among cultivars were mainly attributed to their genetic potential rather than environmental factors, as all were grown under uniform conditions. Based on yield performance and economic returns, cultivar C₅ might be recommended for commercial cultivation in similar agro-climatic regions of Assam.