New eggplant hybrids obtained at VRDS Buzau and the evaluation of their production potential in open field and protected conditions

The crop area cultivated with eggplants was growing significantly in Romania from one year to another since 20 years ago. However, most of the cultivars used in crop production are of import. It was found that the imported hybrid seed is very expensive and do not always correspond to our climatic conditions. Therefore, at the beginning of 1996, breeding researches for this species were highly intense at VRDS Buzau. Debuting with the achievement of a valuable germplasm collection, continuing with its evaluation and the accessions that proved descendent genetic stability and useful traits for the breeding program, were tested for the general and specific combining ability. Between the selected genitors was carried out a large number of hybrid combinations, and after a careful assessment was found that two of these combinations manifested visibly the heterosis phenomenon in F₁. The results obtained for this two hybrid combinations in open field and protected conditions are presented in this paper. The two new obtained cultivars were registered in the Romania Official Catalogue of Crop Plants as Rebeca and H2Bz. For highlighting their production and quality potential in protected spaces and open field cultivation the hybrid 'Aragon' produced by Hazera Company was used as a control cultivar. During the vegetation period biological and phenological measurements were done, with a special emphasis on their quality and production potential in comparison with the control cultivar. In terms of earliness, high values were observed at H2Bz and in what concerns the fruit size and plant productivity Rebeca registered the highest values. The accessions used in this experience recorded lower values in what concerns the plant vigor as well as crop production in open field cultivation by comparison with the ones recorded in the protected area. Even so, they are recommended to be cultivated in both culture conditions.