Vol. 9, Special Issue 8, Part J (2025)

A comprehensive biochemical assessment was conducted to elucidate the basis of host plant resistance in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes against shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis guenée). Twenty genotypes exhibiting variable responses to pest infestation were analyzed for key biochemical traits, specifically total phenolic content and total soluble sugars, in both shoot and fruit. Variations in biochemical constituents, showed a clear correlation with pest incidence. Elevated cocentration of total phenolic compounds were recorded in the resistance genotypes AKBR-20-21, AKBR-20-05, AKBR-20-03, and AKBR-20-06. Among them, AKBR-20-03 recorded the highest phenol content in shoots (2.07 mg/g), followed by AKBR-20-05 (1.72 mg/g) and AKBR-20-21 (1.60 mg/g). The remaining genotypes showed intermediate phenol levels. The lowest phenol content in shoots was recorded in the genotype Aruna (0.41 mg/g), while in fruits, the minimum was observed in AKBR-20-02 (0.38 mg/g) and the maximum in AKBR-20-10 (2.00 mg/g). Regarding total sugar content, AKBR-20-12 recorded the highest level in shoots (11.80%), which was statistically at par with AKBR-20-07 (11.07%). The lowest sugar content in shoots was observed in AKBR-20-06 (4.20%). In fruits, the maximum total soluble sugar (TSS) was recorded in AKBR-20-20 (11.94%) and the minimum in AKBR-20-03 (3.20%). The genotypes AKBR-20-02, AKBR-20-08, AKBR-20-13, AKLB-9, AKBR-20-23, and AKBR-20-20 showed the highest shoot infestation levels of 2.71%, 2.67%, 2.53%, 2.54%, 2.43%, and 2.43%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between phenol content in shoots and fruit borer infestation. However, phenol content in fruits showed a negative but non-significant correlation with fruit borer infestation. In contrast, total soluble sugar content in both shoots and fruits exhibited a significant positive correlation with shoot and fruit borer infestation.