Screening and selecting novel AM fungi and Azotobacter strain for inoculating apple under soil solarization and chemical disinfestation with mulch practices for sustainable nursery management

The objective of this study is to investigate the response of screening, and selection of novel indigenous AM fungal species and Azotobacter chroococcum strains for inoculating apple under different soil disinfestations and moisture conservation mulch practices for sustainable nursery management. Two local AM fungal species namely, Glomus fasciculatum (Thaxter sensu Gerdemann) and Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.), and two strains of A. chroococcum viz., A. chroococcum strain-I (AZ₁) and A. chroococcum strain-II (AZ₂) were inoculated at nursery stage under soil solarization, chemical disinfestation and natural soil conditions at four different mulch materials namely, black plastic mulch (BPM), and organic mulches, i.e. grass mulch (GM); cover crops (CC); green manuring + clean cultivation (Gm + Cc). The comparative performance of the seedlings on the impact of local AM species and A. chroococcum strains on growth characteristics, microbial population, root colonization and leaf nutrient status was evaluated. The inoculation of seedlings to G. fasciculatum and AZ₁ increased all growth characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area and total root length), microbial consortium of the rhizosphere soil and leaf N, P, K and Zn content in all those plots where soil solarization and black plastic mulching was used followed by chemical disinfestations and natural soil conditions at all other mulch types used. These findings suggested that the soil inoculation of G. fasciculatum and AZ₁ strain to seeds and/or the saplings under soil solarization with black plastic mulch attained a desirable plant height and become ready for grafting which however saved a period of 1 year for nursery management compared to traditional nursery raising practice, and thus, it may be a viable and feasible approach to maintain soil productivity under nutrient limited soils for sustainable apple nursery production under temperate rain-fed conditions.     

Screening of AM fungi and Azotobacter chroococcum under natural,solarization, chemical sterilization and moisture conservation practices for commercial mango nursery production in north-west Himalayas

The present study investigates the performance of mango seedlings screened with indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and Azotobacter chroococcum strains under solarized, chemical sterilized and natural soil conditions. Two isolates each of AM fungi namely, Glomus fasciculatum (Thaxter sensu Gerdemann) and Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.), and two strains of A. chroococcum viz., A. chroococcum strain-I (AZ1) and A. chroococcum strain-II (AZ2) were inoculated at nursery stage under four different moisture conservation practices viz., black polyethylene mulch and organic mulches (grass mulch, cover crops, green manure) and clean cultivation. The observations on microbial population, root colonization, growth parameters and leaf nutrient content of the seedlings were recorded. Mango seedling's inoculated with G. fasciculatum and AZ1 had increased seedling's height, diameter, leaf area and total root length, microbial consortium of the rhizosphere soil and leaf N, P, K and Zn content in plots where solarization and black polyethylene mulching was used. The study revealed that the inoculation of mango stones and the saplings with G. fasciculatum and AZ1 under solarized black polyethylene mulched practice may be considered the best practice for raising mango nursery and maintaining soil health under rain-fed conditions of mid-hills of north-west Himalayas.     

Selection of efficient arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of cashew and their application in the cashew nursery

Mycorrhizal association in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) grown in five different plantation areas of South India was investigated. The soil samples were collected from all locations. Physico-chemical properties of rhizosphere soils, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spore count and root colonization were recorded. Species isolated were Acaulospora, Gigaspora, Glomus and Scutellospora. The mycorrhizal spore density was maximum at Thanjavur and minimum at Kudumiyamalai. Root colonization percentage oscillated between 20 and 30%. The species of Glomus, G. aggregatum Schenck and Smith, G. fasciculatum (Thaxter) Gerdemann and Trappe and G. mosseae (Nicol. and Gerd.) Gerdemann and Trappe were the most abundant in the majority of the experimental sites. Hence these three species were selected and used for artificial inoculation studies. Of the three mycorrhizal fungi G. fasciculatum significantly increased shoot length, internode number, internode length, number of leaves, stem diameter, root length and root number.     

Aptitude for mycorrhizal root colonization in Prunus rootstocks

Eighteen Prunus rootstock cultivars were inoculated with three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under greenhouse conditions in order to evaluate their affinity for mycorrhizal colonization. The rootstocks were peach–almond hybrids, peaches, plums and cherries of Spanish, French and Italian origin. Mycorrhizal colonization was low in plants inoculated with Glomus mosseae (Nicol. and Gerd.) Gerdemann and Trappe, and Glomus etunicatum Becker and Gerdemann. In contrast, Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith, proved to be the most infective endophyte, achieving the highest mycorrhizal colonization rate in most of the rootstocks evaluated. Species of Prunus insititia L. were the only botanical group to show a consistently high affinity for mycorrhizal colonization with G. intraradices.     

丛枝菌根真菌对重茬草莓产量和品质的影响

于日光温室条件下,研究了丛枝菌根真菌Glomusmosseae(Nicol.&Gerd.)Gerd.&Trappe,GlomusintraradicesSchenck&Smith和Glomusversiforme(Karsten)Berch对重茬土壤中草莓生长、结实和品质的影响。结果表明,供试真菌在同一时期的侵染率不同,同一菌种在不同时期侵染率有较大区别;无论土壤消毒与否,它们均可促进草莓的生长发育,提早开花4～12d,显著提高草莓单果重、单株果数和单株产量,单株产量提高27.6%～39.5%,提早4～6d成熟,而且有利于草莓前期产量的形成。接种处理还提高了草莓果实中维生素C和糖的含量,降低了可滴定酸的含量,改善了草莓果实品质。其中以Glomusversiforme接种效应最大。     

丛枝菌根真菌对芋组织培养苗生长的影响

 于温室盆栽条件下研究了丛枝菌根(AM) 真菌Gigaspora rosea、Glomus mosseae 和Glomus versi-forme 对芋(Colocasia esculenta) 组织培养苗移栽成活率、矿质营养、光合速率及生长的影响。结果表明, 接种AM真菌能提高芋组织培养幼苗移栽成活率和叶片光合速率, 降低气孔阻力; 其叶片和根内氮、磷、钾含量和生长量显著高于不接种对照。认为接种有效AM真菌是促进组织培养苗健康生长的重要技术。     

Role of bioinoculants in development of salt-resistant saplings of Morus alba (var. sujanpuri) in vivo

Pot experiments were conducted for the development of salt-resistant saplings of Morus alba (var. sujanpuri) involving bioinoculants, namely arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Azotobacter and indole butyric acid (IBA). The IBA and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations were optimized prior to the experiments. By using both low and high concentrations, 15 ppm IBA and 0.05% NaCl (w/v) were found to be optimum in acting synergistically with AM fungi and Azotobacter and also for increasing all the growth parameters and microbial count in the rhizosphere. For in vivo development of salt-resistant saplings, the optimal concentration of IBA, along with AM fungi and Azotobacter in different combinations, was applied. The saplings were irrigated regularly with 0.05% NaCl water. Although growth parameters such as AM infection percentage, AM spores per 100 g soil and Azotobacter cells/g soil were affected by NaCl watering, the inoculation of both bioinoculants significantly enhanced survival percentage of saplings from 25 to 50% under salt stress. Maximum survival (55%) of saplings was found with IBA (15 ppm)+AM fungi+Azotobacter.     

Biofertilizers improve plant growth,fruit yield,nutrition, metabolism and rhizosphere enzyme activities of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in Indian Thar Desert

Production of horticultural crops has undergone enormous change in recent years due to development of innovative technologies including integrated nutrient management practices using biofertilizers. The present study represents the positive response of biofertilizers in nursery seedlings followed by their transplantation in harsh field conditions of Indian Thar Desert. Nursery and field experiments were carried out to assess the effectiveness of selected N₂-fixing bacteria and AM fungi alone or in combination, on the growth and biomass production of Punica granatum. In both experiments, the combined treatment of Azotobacter chroococcum and Glomus mosseae was found to be the most effective. Besides enhancing the rhizosphere microbial activity and concentration of various metabolites and nutrients, these bioinoculants helped in better establishment of pomegranate plants under field conditions. A significant improvement in the plant height, plant canopy, pruned material and fruit yield was evident in 5-year-old pomegranate plants in field conditions. In view of the above results, use of biofertilizer technology may be adopted for the establishment and development of other horticultural plant species in arid regions.     

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation on root system architecture of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) seedlings

Plant root system architecture is essential characteristics in relation to nutrient acquisition by root system from soil volume. Many environmental factors can affect the establishment of root system architecture, e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. We inoculated the trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) seedlings with four AM fungal species in rhizoboxes, with non-inoculated seedlings as control. Using the WinRHIZO^® image analysis system, the root system architecture of seedlings was characterized. Results indicated that AM colonization did not affect the tap root length, the average root diameter, the basal root growth angle in spite that four AM fungal species exerted differential influence on the plant growth. Contrastingly, AM colonization significantly reduced the total root length, the root volume, the root surface area, but promoted the formation of lateral roots of high order. In addition, AM colonization induced more fine roots and less coarse roots. To our knowledge, it is the first report on the influence of AM fungi on the distribution of root diameter size classes. The mechanisms and implication of AM fungi on root system architecture is discussed.     

Selection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for citrus growth promotion and Phytophthora suppression

In order to reduce unnecessary amount of P-fertilizer and severity of Phytophthora root rot in citrus orchards, the experiment was set up. Thirteen indigenous arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi species were isolated from rhizosphere soil of citrus orchards in Thailand and were then propagated into three host plants [sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), maize (Zea mays), and leek (Allium cepa)] by trap culture. We also tested whether indigenous AMF species (13 different species) could colonize into three cultivars of citrus scions and rootstocks (Shogun: Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shogun; Tangerine: C. reticulata; and C-35 citrange: Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata). With root colonization rates, the results indicated that Acaulospora tuberculata and Glomus etunicatum provided the best colonization in all citrus cultivars. We selected, therefore, those AMF species to verify their influences on citrus growth and Phytophthora root rot resistance. Three cultivars of citrus scions and rootstocks, Shogun, Tangerine and C-35 citrange, were inoculated with two effective indigenous AMF species, G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata in order to determine the influences on citrus growth. The plants were investigated to determine the mycorrhizal efficiency index (MEI), AM colonization, P content, and other parameters. Co-inoculation of AMF species (G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata) with Phytophthora nicotianae was also carried out in Shogun scion/C-35 citrange rootstocks. The results of citrus growth revealed that Shogun and Tangerine inoculated with G. etunicatum produced the highest MEI. Tangerine and C-35 citrange amended with fertilizers and G. etunicatum showed the highest P content in leaves. This indicated that G. etunicatum has an influence on citrus growth and P uptake, suggesting it to be the highly effective strain. Shogun scion/C-35 citrange rootstock combinations that were inoculated by both P. nicotianae and different AM fungi (G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata) showed root injury at low level of root rot symptom. However, the part of Shogun scions grafted on rootstocks showed severe symptom of shoot die back in treatment inoculated with P. nicotianae alone, while treatment inoculated with different AM species (G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata) and P. nicotianae rendered lower shoot die back symptoms than that of Phytophthora treatment. The low level of shoot die back symptom was shown at first, then healthy young shoot was restored. Our results indicated the facts that different host plants and different AMF species produced different outcomes of growth and pathogen resistance. The application of both AM isolates, therefore, has an enormous potential to be produced the inoculum for citrus orchards.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation of micropropagated persimmon plantlets

Summary

Growth, development and nutrient status of micropropagated persimmon (Diospyros kaki) ‘Rojo Brillante’ in response to inoculation with two species of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were studied under nursery conditions. The species of AM fungi were Glomus intraradices and G. mosseae. Shoot growth depression and low root colonization percentage were observed to G. mosseae inoculation. Shoot and root growth enhancements were observed for plants colonised by G. intraradices. Inoculated plantlets with G. intraradices and high level of controlled-release fertilizer signi®cantly decreased shoot height in relation to treatment with low fertilization level. Furthermore, G. intraradices had unique effects on the mineral status of the persimmon plantlets. N and Ca were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, within the shoot tissue of plants colonised by G. intraradices. Early inoculation with G. intraradices appears to favour growth of micropropagated persimmon plantlets.     

Symbiotic seed germination of Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume and Dendrobium draconis Rchb. f., native orchids of Thailand

In vitro symbiotic seed germination is an important tool not only for the study of orchid-fungus specificity but also for the production of mycobiont-infected healthy seedlings that could be valuable for both horticultural and conservation purposes. The current study compared effectiveness of eight putative orchid mycorrhizal fungi obtained from mature orchids in the genera Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Dendrobium, in promoting in vitro seed germination and protocorm development of Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume and Dendrobium draconis Rchb. f., native Thai orchids. The developmental stages of seeds and protocorms cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, oat meal agar (OMA), or OMA inoculated with one of the eight fungal isolates were evaluated weekly. Two isolates of Epulorhiza repens (Bernard) Moore (=anamorphic species of Tulasnella calospora (Boud.) Juel), Da-KP-0-1 and Pv-PC-1-1, were found to be the most effective fungi in promoting protocorm development of G. speciosum. At week 13, protocorms co-cultured with either one of these two fungal isolates, on the average, were significantly more advanced than those sown on OMA. Protocorms co-cultured with isolate Pv-PC-1-1 were also significantly more advanced than those cultured on MS medium. For D. draconis seed germination, three fungal isolates of different anamorphic species of Tulasnella, C1-DT-TC-1, Pv-PC-1-1, and C3-DT-TC-2, were found to be the most effective fungi in promoting protocorm development. However, none of these fungal isolates outperformed MS medium. Additionally, the compatibility between the fungal isolates tested and the two orchid species was discussed.     

Potential hazard characteristics of Tilia, Betula, and Acer trees removed in the Helsinki City Area during 2001–2003

In order to study decay, and to improve the management and protection of old urban trees, a total of 256 felled urban trees were examined during 2001–2003: 95 Tilia spp., 74 Betula spp., and 87 Acer spp. Most of the trees (73%) were located in the main parks and along the main streets in the downtown area of Helsinki City, Finland. The mean age of the trees was over 60 years, and the majority (64%) were old park trees. Poor condition and increasing risk of failure were the main reasons for felling in 82% of the cases. Thirty three percent of these trees were degenerated or dead, but the amenity value of 14% of the risk trees was still high. The latter were old, big trees which posed a potential hazard, but had a vital and balanced crown.Some characteristic profiles for potential failure were identified for each of the tree species studied: Ganoderma lipsiense in the butts and hollows in the stems of Tilia spp., weak fork formations together with Rigidoporus populinus on Acer spp., and degeneration together with decay in the stem on Betula spp.Decay fungi most commonly identified were R. populinus, G. lipsiense, Inonotus obliquus and Piptoporus betulinus. In addition, Kretzschmaria deusta was very common in three of the parks, and on every one of the tree species investigated.     

Screening mycorrhiza species for plant growth,P and Zn uptake in pepper seedling grown under greenhouse conditions

We screened the mycorrhizal species for an inoculum protocol would green pepper seedling production and compensate for nutrient deficiency. Three greenhouse studies (on three successive years) were conducted under nursery conditions using five arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and their mixture. The AM fungi, Glomus mosseae, G. clarum, G. caledonium, G. intraradices and G. etunicatum propagated on maize roots were used. The AM fungi were inoculated to seed stages and half of the seed stages inoculated plants were re-inoculated at the seedling stages. In Experiment I, plants were harvested once and in Experiments II and III, plants were harvested twice at different developmental stages.     

Effects of landscape composition on spread of an herbicide-resistant weed

Widespread adoption of genetically modified glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops in the US has dramatically changed the agricultural landscape to one that selects for establishment and spread of weedy species resistant to glyphosate, a commonly applied herbicide. Weed species that possess the means to readily spread across the landscape will be contained by weed management strategies that limit weed establishment and prevent seed set. An empirically-derived simulation model was developed to explore GR Conyza canadensis spread in relation to characteristics of the agricultural landscape. C. canadensis seeds are carried in the wind and move among fields and therefore, access high quality habitat (GR crops) at long distances. The baseline scenario was the current GR adoption levels in many US agricultural landscapes with corn and soybean rotated annually. Alternate scenarios examined the interacting effects of management uniformity (GR crop adoption) and increased landscape richness (three crops: corn, soybean, alfalfa, instead of two), over a 10 year simulation period. When landscape uniformity increased (increased GR corn adoption), 3× more fields would be infested with the resistant biotype and a specific field would have up to 24% greater likelihood of being infested compared to the current GR crop adoption levels. Increased landscape richness (adding alfalfa as a third crop) slightly decreased GR C. canadensis abundance. Reduced GR management uniformity by way of reducing GR soybeans to half their current adoption levels had the greatest impact on spread and prevented GR C. canadensis from reaching high abundance. Large-scale reliance on glyphosate for weed management has increased high-fitness habitat and will result in rapid spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Without significant reductions of glyphosate use and without spatial coordination of weed and crop management practices, GR weeds will continue to spread rapidly and impact agricultural practices in areas reliant on glyphosate.     

The response of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) plants to early inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi at different levels of phosphorus

Summary

Chilli plants cv. Pusa Jwala were inoculated in the nursery beds with three mycorrhizal fungi, Gigaspora calospora, G. margarita and Glomus fasciculatum and transplanted to plots supplied with 0, 25 and 50% of a recommended P level (65 kg ha^?1). Uninoculated plants were also transplanted at 0 (Control) and 100% of.the recommended P level. Plant growth, height, shoot dry weight, uptake of P, root colonization and yield of green chillies were measured. Chilli responded well to inoculation and P. G. margarita best improved growth and yield. Inoculation plus 25 and 50% P were equally better than the control and equal to uninoculated plants at 100% P. As much as 50–75% P can be dispensed with by inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and this represents a considerable economic saving in cost.     

丛枝菌根真菌对香蕉试管苗植株生长和矿质营养吸收的影响

以Williams香蕉(MusaAAA)试管苗为材料,在温室盆栽条件下研究丛枝菌根真菌(AM真菌)对香蕉植株矿质营养和营养生长的影响。试验设3个处理,不接种对照和2个菌根接种处理:接种单一菌种Glomusversiform、接种混合菌种G.versiform、G.epigaeam、G.cadedonium。结果表明,香蕉植株的菌根侵染率为22.8%～32.9%;接种AM真菌促进了香蕉植株的营养生长,显著地增加地上部和根系的干重,其菌根依赖性达到30.8%～37.8%,植株的株高、叶片数和叶片长度略有提高;接种单一菌种增加了须根的数量,但2个接种处理均降低须根的长度,使得总根长减少;单一接种剂和混合接种剂分别显著提高植株的P和K含量,2个接种处理都显著地促进了植株对N、P、K的吸收,P增幅最大,为70%～120%,K的增幅次之,为80%左右,N的增幅最小,为40%～60%。结果还表明,混合接种剂的生长促进效果略好于单一接种剂。     

Mycorrhizal colonization improves onion (Allium cepa L.) yield and water use efficiency under water deficit condition

Most plants benefit from mycorrhizal symbiosis through improvement of water status and nutrient uptake. A factorial experiment with complete randomized blocks design was carried out in greenhouse at Tabriz University, Iran in 2005–2006. Experimental treatments were (a) irrigation interval (7, 9 and 11 days), (b) soil condition (sterile and non-sterile) and (c) arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species (Glomus versiforme, Glomus intraradices, Glomus etunicatum) and non-mycorrhizal (NM) plants as control. Onion (Allium cepa L. cv. Azar-shahr) seeds were sown in sterile nursery and inoculated with fungi species. One nursery left uninoculated as control. Nine weeks old seedlings then were transplanted to the pots. Average pre-irrigation soil water contents reached to about 67, 61.6 and 57.5% of FC corresponding to 7, 9 and 11 days irrigation intervals, respectively. At onion bulb maturity stage (192 days after transplanting), yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and yield response factor (K_y) were determined. The results indicated that AMF colonization increased soil water depletion significantly. G. versiforme under both soil conditions (sterile and non-sterile) and G. etunicatum in sterile soil depleted soil water effectively (P < 0.05). Mycorrhizal fungi improved WUE significantly (P < 0.0001) in both soil conditions. It raised by G. versiforme about 2.4-fold (0.289 g mm⁻¹) in comparison with the control (0.117 g mm⁻¹). G. intraradices and G. etunicatum also had significantly higher WUE than control. Apparently water deficit in 11-day irrigation interval led to lower yield and WUE compared to 9-day interval; the later resulted highest WUE (0.254 g mm⁻¹). Mycorrhizal plants increased seasonal ET significantly due to enhancing in plant growth; G. versiforme in both sterile and non-sterile soil and G. etunicatum in sterile soil had the highest ET. Bulb yield was influenced by irrigation period and fungi species. G. versiforme produced higher yield than other treatments (135.27 g/pot). Mycorrhizal plants in 11-day irrigation interval in spite of suffering from water stress had more bulb yield than non-mycorrhizal plants in all irrigation intervals. Yield in general was higher in 9-day treatments than other irrigating internals significantly (P < 0.05). Onion yield response factor (K_y) was decreased by AMF colonization; implying that symbiosed plants become less responsive to water deficit (longer irrigation interval) compared to the control ones.     

Gibberellin producing Neosartorya sp. CC8 reprograms Chinese cabbage to higher growth

Gibberellins production by soil fungi received little attention, although substantial work has been carried out on other growth promoting aspects of soil borne fungi. We investigated gibberellins production and growth promoting capacity of a novel fungal strain of Neosartorya, which was isolated from the roots of Chinese cabbage (Bassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Fungal culture filtrates (CF) obtained from pure cultures of 16 endophytic fungi were bioassayed on Waito-C, in order to investigate plant growth promoting capacity of these fungi. The fungal isolate CC-8 induced maximum shoot length of Waito-C (13.0 cm) as compared to control treatments. In a separate experiment, the CF of fungus CC-8 significantly promoted plant length and biomass of Chinese cabbage. The fungal CF also increased endogenous bioactive GA₁ and GA₄ contents of Chinese cabbage. Gibberellin analysis of CF of CC-8 showed presence of both physiologically active and non active gibberellins in higher concentrations (GA₁, 1.42 ng/ml; GA₃, 5.93 ng/ml; GA₄, 11.36 ng/ml; GA₇, 3.25 ng/ml; GA₉, 0.79 ng/ml; GA₁₅, 1.18 ng/ml). The culture filtrate of CC-8 produced higher amounts of GA₃, GA₄, GA₇ and GA₉ than wild type Fusarium fujikuroi, a well known gibberellins producing fungus. The fungal isolate CC-8 was later identified as a new strain of Neosartorya species on the basis of traditional and advance molecular techniques.     

Development of a male sterile eggplant by utilizing the cytoplasm of Solanum virginianum and a biparental transmission of chloroplast DNA in backcrossing

To develop a male sterile line of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) utilizing the cytoplasm of S. virginianum, an interspecific F₁ hybrid between S. virginianum and S. melongena ‘Senryo Nigou’ was continuously backcrossed to S. melongena ‘Uttara’ using ‘Uttara’ as a recurrent pollen parent and four backcross generations, BC₁, BC₂, BC₃ and BC₄ were produced. All the plants in backcross generations were anther indehiscent although the F₁ hybrid, S. virginianum and S. melongena were dehiscent. Pollen stainability with acetic carmine and in vitro germination ability of pollen in all the backcross progenies were quite lower than those of the parental species. Fruit set percentage, number of seeds per fruit and seed germination rate were high in all the backcross progenies. The present results indicate that anther indehiscent type of functional male sterile line of eggplant could be developed by utilizing the cytoplasm of S. virginianum. PCR-RFLP analysis of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were performed to identify the organelle inheritance. The F₁ hybrid and all the backcross progenies displayed maternal inheritance of mtDNA. The cpDNA of the examined single BC₁ plant exhibited the recombinant cpDNA pattern of the parental F₁ hybrid and ‘Uttara’, indicating occurrence of the biparental inheritance of cpDNA. As all the BC₂, BC₃ and BC₄ progenies showed the same recombinant cpDNA patterns of the BC₁ plant, the recombinant cpDNA might be stable and harmonize with the nuclear genome of S. melongena. The present male sterile line can contribute to expand the male sterility source of eggplant.