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Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Duch. ex Poir. and summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) under the family Cucurbitaceae (Chromosome No. 2n = 2× = 40) are important tropical vegetable crops grown all around the world. The term “squash” is generally employed to designate the forms of C. pepo for immature fruits, all baking cultivars of C. maxima and the cushaw-type cultivars of C. mixta whose matured fruits are consumed. The term “pumpkin” is normally applied to the edible fruit of Cucurbita moschata, C. maxima and C. argyrosperma utilized when ripe as boiled or cooked vegetable or in pie. However, pumpkin is mostly associated with Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir. Pumpkin cultivars are generally more tolerant to hot, humid weather than cultivars of C. maxima or C. pepo. It is extensively cultivated in India, Africa, Latin America, Southern Asia and United States. Among the five  domesticated cucurbita species, C. moschata, C. pepo and C. maxima are economically most important and among them summer squash, C. pepo is the most important in the world. However, of the different species of Cucurbita, pumpkin (C. moschata) is the most popular and grown throughout India.
Pumpkin fruits are rich in ß carotene, flavonoid, polyphenolic antioxidants such as lutein, xanthin and different minerals viz., calcium, potassium and magnesium. Pumpkins help in keeping the heartbeat regular and blood pressure low. The fibre in pumpkin can also play a part in lowering blood pressure as well as cholesterol. Pumpkin occupies a prominent place among the vegetables owing to its high productivity, nutritive value, good storability, long period of availability and better transport potentialities.

Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus under the family Cucurbitaceae (Chromosome number: 2n = 2× = 22) is an important and popular summer season crop of the USA, Middle east, Japan, Africa and India. Watermelon is primarily consumed fresh for their sweet, juicy and slightly grainy flesh and are often eaten as desserts. Watermelon is actually a nutrient dense food. It provides high levels of vitamins, minerals, andantioxidants particularly lycopene and relatively low in calories.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
The origin of watermelon was in tropical Africa perhaps in Kalahari Desert, now in Botswana. The progenitor species, Citrullus colocynthis is endemic to Africa. Wide variation of this progenitor species is also found in Rajasthan and Gujarat in India. Wild watermelon seeds have been found in Uan Muhuggiag, a prehistoric site in Libya that dates to approximately 3500 BC. Watermelon was domesticated in Africa and later it was introduced in India. From India it spread to Near East and Asia. The watermelon which was domesticated in Egypt by 2000 BC were not the sweet modern variety. The fruit flesh of wild watermelons is watery, but typically hard-textured, pale-coloured and bland or bitter. The familiar sweet dessert watermelons, C. lanatus, featuring non-bitter, tender, well-coloured flesh have a narrow genetic base, suggesting that they originated from a series of selection events in a single ancestral population.

Cucumber, Cucumis sativus under the family Cucurbitaceae (Chromosome No: 2n = 2× =14) is grown throughout the world for consumption of fresh and tender fruits as slicing cucumber, and for pickles as pickling cucumber. Slicing cucumbers are usually larger and have thicker skins, while pickling cucumbers are usually smaller and have thinner skins. The flesh of cucumbers is rich vitamin C, and folic acid, fibre and a range of minerals including magnesium, molybdenum and potassium.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
The genus Cucumis, which includes cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and melon (Cucumis melo), has numerous wild African species, and it has therefore been assumed that
melon originated in Africa. For cucumber, this seemed less likely because wild cucumbers exist in India and a closely related species, Cucumis hystrix is available in the Eastern Himalayas. Using DNA sequences from plastid and nuclear markers for some 100 Cucumis accessions from Africa, Australia, and Asia, Sebastian et al (2010) concluded that melon and cucumber are of Asian origin and have numerous previously overlooked species-level relatives in Australia and around the Indian Ocean.

Muskmelon, Cucumis melo under the family Cucurbitaceae (Chromosome number: 2n = 2× = 24) is a highly relished crop because of its attractive flavour, sweet taste and refreshing effect. It is an important crop of Africa, Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan, USA, South and Central America, France, Spain, Israel and many eastern European countries. Mature fruits are eaten fresh as a dessert fruit, canned or used for syrup or jam. Muskmelon is quite rich in ß carotene, vitamin B9, vitamin C and minerals like potassium and low in calorie content.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
The genus Cucumis, which includes cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and melon (Cucumis melo), has numerous wild African species, and it has therefore been assumed that melon originated in tropical Africa in eastern region, south of Sahara Desert. This proposition is supported by the presence of true wild melons which can still be found in some African countries. Some botanists consider melons native to the Levant and Egypt, while others place their origin in Iran, India, Afghanistan or Central Asia. Sebastian et al (2010) reported that the wild progenitor of C. melo occurs in India, and they confirmed that the Southeast Asian Cucumis hystrix is the closest relative of cucumber and most surprisingly, the closest relative of melon, Cucumis picrocarpus was from Australia. The wild forms of muskmelon reported from India are feral escapes derived from local cultivars.

Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus under the family Malvaceae (Chromosome No.: 2n 126, 130, 132, 144) is an important vegetable in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. Okra is mainly used for its tender green fruits as vegetable in many countries. In India, tender fruits are used as fried and boiled or in curry and sambar. It is also frozen, dehydrated and canned. Tender fruit contains appreciably high potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid and calcium. It is a popular vegetable crop of low in calories and high in dietary fibre and protein contents, rich in essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Okra has been regarded as of African origin. Perhaps it has been originated in Ethiopia and upper Nile region of Sudan. However, according to Zeven and Zhukovsky (1975), the genus Abelmoschus is considered to be of Asiatic origin. In fact, its cytotaxonomy confused that Abelmoschus might be of Asiatic origin and at least part of the cultigen. Joshi and Hardas (1976) believed that either the cultigen might have originated in Asia or it was present in Africa and India as a polyphyletic species. Significant native diversity of okra and its allied species in India points towards its secondary diversity here. Indian geneticists and cytologists reported that the wild relative A. tuberculatus which grows wild in India is one of the ancestors of cultivated okra, A. esculentus which is considered to be a natural amphidiploid species. Okra has been mentioned in ancient Sanskrit literature in the name “tindisha” and “gandhamula” which indicated very old association of this genus and its different species with India.

Palak or spinach beet or beet leaf, Beta vulgaris var bengalensis under the family Amaranthaceae (previously under Chenopodiaceae) (Chromosome No. 2n = 2x = 18) is one of the most common leafy vegetables of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its tender, soft and succulent leaves are used as a leafy vegetable. It is a rich and cheap source of β carotene, iron, essential amino acids, ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, minerals like, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc and fibre. It is very common vegetable in India, particularly in eastern and northern plains of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. It is also grown in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh however, it is not common in southern states.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Palak originated from Indo-Chinese region. The Romans used this crop as food for humans and animals. The crop was introduced to USA in 1800 AD (Campbell, 1976). However, it is not known when it was introduced into India. Mentioning of palak in the medical treatise, Charak Samhita, c. 600 BC is the testimony of its long history of cultivation in India. Perhaps it was first cultivated in Bengal. In India, earlier improvement through natural selection by the farmers might have been in the direction of larger succulent leaves, late bolters and ability for regeneration after repeated cuttings. However, despite such a long history of cultivation genetic variability recorded in this species is not wide enough, commensurate with outcrossing breeding behaviour.

The genus Amaranthus is rather unique in having species which are used for vegetable, grain and ornamental purposes. Vegetable amaranth, Amaranthus spp. under the family Amaranthaceae (Chromosome No.: 2n = 2x = 32, 34) is the most common tropical leafy vegetable in Southeast Asian countries especially India, Malaysia, Indonesia, southern China and hot and humid regions of Africa. It is an excellent source of β carotene, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid and dietary fibre. Its protein content (20-38% based on dry matter) includes methionine and other sulphur-containing amino acids. It is cultivated throughout India however, it is a common leafy vegetable in southern states viz., Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
The phylogenetic relationship and taxonomic delimitation in the genus Amaranthus under the family Amaranthaceae are still not resolved with extreme clarity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clear separation of vegetable and grain amaranths. The derivation of grain and vegetable amaranths represent two lines of descent from the weed progenitor. Amaranthus hybridus L. This species has spread to different tropical countries like Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Amaranthus is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants collectively known as amaranths. Vegetable amaranth is the most common leafy vegetable crop grown in India. Several kinds of vegetable amaranths under the genus Amaranthus and belonging to different species are grown in India.

Dolichos bean or Hyacinth bean, Lablab purpureus (L).Sweet. (Syn. Dolichos lablab Roxb.) under the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and having Chromosome No.: 2n = 2x = 22 is one of the most ancient among the cultivated plants. Young, immature pods are cooked and eaten like green beans. It is grown throughout the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. In India, it is grown extensively in the cool season in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra. The pods are one of the rich sources of protein and it also provides fair amount of carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus sodium, magnesium and iron, b-carotene, riboflavin, thiamine and nicotinic acid.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Dolichos bean or Hyacinth bean has been originated in India as wild forms of this bean are found in this country. From India, it was introduced to China, Western Asia, Egypt and other tropical countries of South and South-east Asia and Africa. Vegetable and pulse type dolichos bean belong to two distinct botanical varieties under Lablab purpureus viz., Lablab purpureus var. typicus and Lablab purpureus var. lignosus, respectively. Various forms and cultivars of both the cultivated types are available in India.

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata under the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and having chromosome no. 2n = 2x =22 is in cultivation from ancient times in the tropics of old world. Cowpea is grown for green edible pods, immature seeds, dry grains and edible leaves as leafy greens. The immature pods and seeds as well as dry seeds besides being widely used as fresh vegetable and pulse are also frozen and canned. Immature pods are good source of protein, fibre, minerals, calcium and vitamins particularly vitamin A, B and C. It covers large areas in South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka besides Southeast Asian countries, like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. It is also grown extensively in Brazil and other countries of Latin America. In Africa, it is commonly eaten as a pulse along with sorghum and millets while in India it is used both as pulse and vegetable almost throughout the country. Cowpea is also grown for hay or forage and green manure crop.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Cowpea is one of the most ancient human food sources and has probably been used as a crop plant since Neolithic times. All evidence points to its originating in Africa because of the presence of conspecific wild forms, although where the crop was first domesticated is uncertain. Among the African countries, Ethiopia, Central and South Africa and West Africa are considered to be the probable centre of origin. Although, there is no archaeological evidence for early cowpea cultivation in the centre of diversity, there was early consensus regarding West Africa being the centre of origin and place of early domestication. However, later research using molecular markers has suggested that domestication may have instead occurred in East Africa and currently both the theories carry equal weight.

French bean, Phaseolus vulgaris under the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and having chromosome No.2n = 2x = 22 is an important leguminous vegetable crop grown worldwide for its tender fruit (pod) as vegetable and dry seeds as pulse. French beans are unique among plant foods due to their high protein content. It is a highly variable species that has a long history of cultivation. Most of the bean varieties for processing (canned, frozen, and freeze-dried) are round podded, while fresh market cultivars are often flat or oval shaped. French bean is a valuable source of the amino acids lysine and tryptophan; minerals likes, iron, copper and zinc; and beneficial phytochemicals, antioxidants and flavonoids.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
French bean is thought to have been originated in South and Central America. Southern Mexico and Central America are considered to be the primary centre of origin, while secondary centres lies in Peru-Bolivia-Ecuador region of American continent. It was actually domesticated in Mesoamerica first and travelled south, probably along with squash (Cucurbita species) and maize. Multi-locus sequence data have indicated that the domestication of common bean was initiated 8000 years ago. Cultivation of French beans started by the American Indian tribes settled in Tehuacan Valley of Mexico and in Callejon de Huaylas, Peru. When Christopher Columbus returned from his second voyage to the New World in the year 1493 he brought French beans with him in the Mediterranean region. French beans were considered to be rare to find and expensive but soon became one of the commonly used beans in the 19th century. In France, French beans were introduced in the year 1597 by the Conquistador (Spanish explorers). In Europe, the French bean spread rapidly in the 16th and 17th centuries and reached England by 1594.

Garden pea, Pisum sativum var. hortense under the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) having chromosome No. 2n = 2x = 14 is an all-time favourite vegetable in the world. As a cool season crop, it is extensively grown in early spring season in temperate zone and winter season in the tropics and subtropics. The immature/green peas are used as fresh vegetable as well as frozen or canned. Green peas are quite nutritious and contain high amount of protein and a fair amount of vitamin C, zinc, fibre and antioxidants. Diet containing green pea may improve the functionality of the gut.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Discovery of the carbonized pea seed remains indicated that the smooth-seeded field pea was cultivated in the Near East and Europe as early as 7000 B. C. The earliest archaeological finds of peas come from Neolithic Syria, Turkey and Jordan. In Egypt, evidence of peas dates from ca. 4800–4400 BC. The wild pea was restricted to the Mediterranean basin and the Near East. Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tazikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan), Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and the Mediterranean basin are the primary centres of origin of pea with the near-east (Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordon) as the secondary centre of origin. In another view, Pisum is
considered to have been originated in Ethiopia and from where it spread during prehistoric times to Mediterranean region, Central Europe, the Near East and subsequently to rest of the world. The wild progenitor of Pisum sativum is unknown.

Radish, Raphanus sativus under the family Brassicaceae (Crucifereae) having chromosome No. 2n = 2x =18 is grown mainly for fleshy taproot roots in both tropical and temperate regions throughout the world. Radish is cultivated widely in China, Japan, Korea, India, Europe and USA. It is grown throughout India and particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat. Radish is mostly eaten raw as a crunchy salad or cooked as a vegetable. Leaves are sometimes eaten as cooked leafy vegetable. Immature pods of rat-tail radish, Raphanus sativus var. caudatus are also consumed as vegetable. Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Radish, one of the ancient root vegetables was domesticated in Asia prior to Roman times. Varieties of radish are now broadly distributed around the world, but almost no archeological records are available to help determine their early history and domestication. However, different research works have tentatively located the origin of Raphanus sativus in Southeast Asia, as this is the only region where truly wild forms have been discovered. This radish might be Oriental or Asiatic radish. India, Central China, and Central Asia appear to have been the secondary centers where different forms were developed. However, according to other hypothesis, eastern Mediterranean region, China and middle Asia are considered to be the origin of radish where wild radish still exists.

Carrot, Daucus carota L. under the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) having chromosome numbers 2n = 2x = 18 is a root vegetable, grown in spring, summer and autumn in temperate regions and during winter in tropical and sub-tropical regions all over the world. It is important root crop of the European countries, USA, China, Japan, Korea and India. It is grown in almost all parts of India, both in plains and hills. Most of the carrots are typically orange in colour, though purple, black, red, white and yellow cultivars are also available. It is consumed fresh as salad or cooked as vegetable. It is also used for fresh juice, pickles and for the preparation of sweets. Leaves are used as fodder. Essential oil from the seeds is used for flavouring liquors and foods. It contains highest amount of β carotene (pro-vitamin A) among the common vegetables. It is also a good source of vitamin K, and vitamin B6.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Carrot probably originated in Afghanistanin, the region where the Himalaya and Hindukush mountains are confluent. The secondary centres of diversity are probably Ehiopia and north America. Its domestication occurred in Afganistan and adjacent regions of Russia, Iran (previously called Persia), India, Pakistan and Anatolia (Van der Vossen and Sambas, 1993). From its centre of origin in Afghanistan, it was taken by the Arabs to eastern Mediterranean and Spain in 12th century. It was introduced in China in 13th or 14th century, in England during 15th century, in Japan in early 17th century and in the USA in 1620 AD.

Onion, Allium cepa under the family Alliaceae (Amarylidaceae) having chromosome No. = 2n × 2x = 16 is an important vegetable cum spice crop grown in almost all parts of the world. The four major onion growing countries in the world are China, India, USA and Turkey. Other important onion growing countries are Iran, Italy, Egypt, The Netherlands, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Japan and Brazil. Onions are the fundamental ingredient in many dishes of the Asian countries. In India, important onion growing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. In India, onions are cooked for the preparation of stews, curries and as a base for rice pilafs or pilau or used fresh as salads. Onions are widely used in American cuisine, from burgers and sandwiches to soups and stews. Fried onion rings are a popular side dish. Onions are healthy whether consumed as raw or cooked however, raw onions have higher levels of organic sulfur compounds that provide many health benefits.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
The geographic origin of the onion is uncertain because the wild onion is extinct andancient records of using onions span western and eastern Asia. However, it is presumed that domestication of onion likely took place in Southwest or Central Asia comprising Iran, Afganistan, western Pakistan Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. Its secondary centre of origin is in the Mediterranean region. Its cultivation has spread in Western Asia from Palestine to India. It entered northern Europe through Italy and north Africa during 500 AD. It was introduced in the USA by the early Spanish explorers around 1625 AD.

Cauliflower
Cauliflower, Brassica oleracea L var. botrytis under the family Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) having chromosome No. 2n = 2x =18 is the most popular vegetable among the cole crops, particularly in Asia. It is grown in all continents of the world,= of which Asia is the leading one followed by Europe and covers small acerages in North America, South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. India and China together have about 60 % of total cauliflower area of the world. Cauliflower is used in different curry and fry preparations with potato, garden pea, sweet pepper and other vegetables. It contains high quality proteins and good in stability of vitamin C after
cooking. Frozen products are also prepared from cauliflower. It is rich in minerals such as potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, etc.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
The cole crops have originated from the wild diploid species Brassica oleracea var. sylvestris mainly by mutation, human selection and adaptation. This wild species, a leafy kale-like plant which occurs in the northern shore of the Mediterranean Sea an along the lime cliffs in north-eastern England and North Sea is the progenitor of th cultivated kale and leafy non-heading cabbage. Probably kale was the first cole crop to have selected and adapted by man. From this leafy kale-like plant (Brassica oleracea var. sylvestris), other cole crops viz., kale, collard, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage have been descended.

Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas under the family Convolvulaceae (Chromosome No. 2n = 6x = 90) is an important tuber crop grown mostly in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Latin America, the Pacific islands, Papua New Guinea and Africa. India and China are the leading sweet potato growing countries in the world. In India, it is largely grown in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Its large, swollen, starchy, sweet-tasting, adventitious roots are used as tuberous vegetable. Orange-fleshed sweet potato, in particular, with high β carotene content has become a prominent example of the effectiveness of biofortified staple crops to combat vitamin A deficiency. Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fibers and are also known for improving gut health and digestion. It also contains a high amount of phytosterol that has a protective effect on the digestive system. Sometimes, tender leaves and shoots are consumed as a green leafy vegetable. Sweet potato tubers are used in agro-industry for the preparation of starch, alcohol and animal feed.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Sweet potato has probably been originated between the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and the mouth of the Orinoco River in Venezuela.

Potato, Solanum tuberosum L. under the family Solanaceae (Chromosome No. 2n = 4x = 48) is the world’s most important vegetable crop and the fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat and maize. They contain a wealth of health benefits that make them essential as a staple dietary item for much of the world’s population. It is valuable both as a fresh product and as a processed product, and the current trend is for rapid growth in processed forms, mainly chips and French fries. It is now grown in nearly 150 countries. It is extensively cultivated in China, Russia, Ukarine, Poland, Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, South America, India and USA.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Potato is a native of tropical South American region where it grows wild in nature and presents the widest diversity of forms like, tuber shape, size, colour, taste, etc. Cultivated diploid potatoes are believed to have originated in the high plateau region of Peru and Bolivia in South America, more specifically the Lake Titicaca basin in the Peru-Bolivian region (Simmonds, 1976).

Sweet pepper or bell pepper, a cultivar group of the species Capsicum annuum under the family Solanaceae (Chromosome No. 2n =2x =24) is grown worldwide as green vegetable for its thick and fleshy fruits having delicate taste, pleasant flavour and colour. Sweet pepper requires slightly cooler climate than hot chillies. The fruits are generally non-pungent hence, it is commonly known as sweet pepper. It is also popular as bell pepper because of blocky fruit shape. China is the largest producer of sweet pepper in the world.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Hot chillies and sweet pepper have originated from the wild and weedy species Capsicum annuum var. minimum whose domestication occurred in Mexico and distributed from the southern United states to northern south America. Domestication, cultivation and human selection brought about changes in fruit size and shape and fruit position from erect to pendant. It also resulted in more self-pollinating character due to inserted stigma unlike the exserted stigma in the wild types.

Chilli or hot pepper, the Capsicum species (principally Capsicum annuum) under the family Solanaceae (Chromosome No. 2n =2x =24) is a tropical vegetable-cum spice crop commonly used throughout the world as spice for its pungency and red colour of ripe dried fruits and also for its green fruits for pungency and flavour.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
It is generally accepted that the Capsicum genus belonging to the family Solanaceae was originated in Bolivia which consists of 25–30 species. Five of these Capsicum species viz., C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, and C. pubescens were domesticated. The largest group of varieties is found under C. annuum which is grown worldwide. Both hot pepper and sweet pepper belonging to the same species Capsicum annuum originated from the wild and weedy Capsicum annuum var. minimum distributed from the southern United States to the northern South America. The primary centre of origin of chilli is in southern and central America and secondar centre in Guatemala.

Brinjal is the fifth most economically important Solanaceous crop after potato, tomato, chilli, and tobacco. Apart from the well-known brinjal species (Solanum melongena L.), two other under-utilized species, the scarlet eggplant (S. aethiopicum L.) and the gboma eggplant S. macrocarpon are also cultivated. Brinjal, also known as aubergine or eggplant, under the family Solanaceae (Chromosome No.: 2n = 2x =24) is one of th important vegetables of the tropical countries particularly India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Japan, Indonesia, Thiland, Malaysia and the Philippines. Brinjal is the most common, popular and principal vegetable crop grown widely in India for its various shape, size and colour of fruits. Brinjals are rich sources of potential antioxidants: anthocyanin and phenolic compounds.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
Brinjal (Solanum melongena) is believed to have been originated in Indo-Burma region and perhaps China is the secondary centre of origin of this crop. Various data indicate, that from the several species that evolved in Africa, one (S. insanum), gave rise to a distinct species which spread to South-East Asia as the wild ancestor of S. melongena (Lester 1998; Ranil et al., 2017). This wild progenitor of the cultivated species has wide distribution in at least 10 habitats in India which amply suggests India being the centre of origin of brinjal.