Abstract
This chapter contrats the often low levels of resistance to pests and diseases in the brinjal egg-plant (Solanum melongena L.) with the generally much higher resistances in related wild species such as S. torvum Sw., as well as the scarlet egg-plant (S. aethiopicum L.). It deals also with the classification, synonymity and homonymity in this group of plants, as well as their probable phylogenetic affinities estimated mainly through crossability investigations. The use of wild species in egg-plant breeding programmes is also discussed. The second part of this paper deals with disease resistance, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and crossability among cultivated and wild tomato (Lycopersicon) species. [AS]