*2.2. Experimental Materials, Treatments, Desing and Procedures*

A total of 130 genotypes (126 locally collected germplasm and Bangladesh has developed and released four Bt brinjal varieties expressing Cry1Ac gene (Bt brinjal), viz., BARI Bt brinjal-1,2,3 and 4 variety as a check) were used in the experiment (Table S1).

All 130 genotypes were arranged in an augmented randomized complete block design (augmented RCBD) with four check varieties and seven blocks was followed in this study. All check varieties received seven replications, giving a total of 154 experimental plots. The plot size was 3 m × 2.1 m. Each genotype was implanted in three rows per plot. The spacing was 70 × 60 cm.

Direct seeding was completed with inside the well-organized seedbeds on 12 November 2019. Thirty-day-old seedlings were transplanted in the organized pits of the predominant experimental plot on 22 December 2019.

Fertilizer doses were 10 tons ha−<sup>1</sup> Cowdung, 210 kg ha−<sup>1</sup> Urea, 33 kg ha−<sup>1</sup> triple superphosphate (TSP), 200 kg ha−1, MP and 5 kg ha−<sup>1</sup> Borax ([28]. The total requirement of Cow-dung, TSP and Borax was applied during final land preparation about one week before transplanting. Urea and MP were supplied in the three equal splits [29]. Four times weeding and mulching were carried out in the first 25 days of mid-December. Sumithion 60 EC at 2.5 ml L−1, Sevin 75 WP at 0.1 g pit−<sup>1</sup> and Vertimac 18 EC at 1.2 ml L−<sup>1</sup> were sprayed for controlling insect and mite, respectively. The data was noted as per the descriptor developed by IBPGR, 1990.
