Abstract
This study evaluated genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and associated traits among 21 brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes under sub-tropical conditions at Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, during the summer-rainy season of 2025. The experiment was assessed in a randomized complete block design with three replications, measuring traits including plant height at 30, 60, and 90 DAT, primary and secondary branches per plant, fruit length, diameter, weight, yield per plant, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, and ash content. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant genotypic differences across all traits, confirming substantial variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for fruit weight (GCV 26.94%, PCV 26.97%), fruit length (25.03%, 27.18%), and fruit diameter (26.01%, 30.48%). High broad-sense heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were observed in plant height at 30 DAT (93.18% h², 23.27% GA%) and secondary branches per plant (69.75% h², 21.73% GA%). Moderate values were observed for yield per plant (GCV 14.92%, PCV 27.84%, h² 28.72%, GA% 16.47%), while low values prevailed for ascorbic acid, ash content, and primary branches. Traits with high heritability and high genetic advance, particularly fruit morphology parameters, indicate predominant additive gene action, enabling effective phenotypic selection for yield improvement in brinjal breeding programs under subtropical conditions.