Scientists are exploring the genetic potential of eggplant’s wild relatives in their efforts to create new varieties of the popular crop. By studying the genetic diversity of the wild relatives, scientists hope to find new genes that could be used to create hardier, more resistant varieties of eggplant. This could help improve yields and make the crop more resilient to disease and pests. The research could also help to reduce the use of chemical inputs, such as pesticides, in eggplant production. With the help of genomic technologies, researchers have identified genetic markers associated with traits such as drought- and pest-resistance in the wild relatives. This could pave the way for the development of new eggplant varieties with improved traits.

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source: Phys.org