Genetic diversity expands agricultural use of eggplant

The genetic diversity of eggplant has gained new scope with the release of the complete set of genes and agronomic characteristics of the species. The work brings together information gathered over eight years of research and broadens the understanding of the crop's ability to adapt to different environments, a relevant factor in the face of climate change. The analysis was based on a global collection with more than 3,400 cultivated and wild varieties, used to identify differences in the development and evolution of the vegetable. The study was conducted by an international collaboration that includes the National Institute for Agronomic Research of France. The researchers mapped more than 20,000 gene families and 218 agronomic characteristics, including resistance to fungal wilt and antioxidant capacity. The set, freely accessible, provides resources for breeding programs interested in developing varieties adjusted to local conditions. The results were published in Nature ...