STUDIES ON RESISTANCE TO NATURAL PESTS AND DISEASES IN SOLANUM (GARDEN EGGS)

Four species of Solanum, S. aethiopicum L.; S. macrocarpon L., S. melongena L. and S. nigrum L., were screened in the field for natural attacks of pests and diseases, and the possibility of introducing resistance genes into susceptible species through hybridization evaluated.

S. nigrum and S. melongena were considerably resistant to most pests and diseases of this genus, while S. aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon were highly susceptible. In general, the F1 hybrids were more susceptible to pests and diseases than were the parental species. The nature of the resistance/susceptibility could not be confirmed in the F2. generation due to one of three reasons: (i) the failure of crosses to develop and produce F1, seed. (ii) inviability of some F1 seeds where F1 seed was obtained and, (iii) the sterility of F1 hybrids where F1 seed was viable.