Eggplant production and cultivation study

Categories: ,

Eggplant plants



Abstract:

  • Vegetable cultivation, particularly eggplant, can be lucrative logically and at scale. It has the potential to significantly boost farm income.
  • Although farmers typically perceive eggplant as an annual, it is a perennial plant. In sheltered indoor spaces, most eggplant producers in the fields and farms begin growing crops (hybrids). 
  • The young seedlings are relocated from their roots to the field or farm after waiting (about 4 to 6 weeks) until they have grown and are prepared to be transplanted there. 
  • Plowed furrows and raised bridges are constructed, and black plastic tape is laid over them.
  • The black plastic covering inhibits the development of weeds while also warming the soil. Farmers make use of drip irrigation. 
  • The growers cut tiny holes in the plastic sheet through which the seedlings are inserted when they are ready for transplantation. 
  • Then, weed control, drip irrigation, and fertilizer are used. Growers tighten the plants with stakes to support plant development until they reach a height of 40 cm (16 in). After a few weeks, this facilitates better aeration and makes harvesting simpler. Plants are also thinned by removing part of the buds to encourage the plant to focus its food resources on fewer but more extensive and better fruits. Thinning involves removing some buds or small fruits from the plant, allowing the remaining fruits to grow larger and healthier.
  • Most types of eggplant grown in commercial quantities on farms can be harvested 60-100 days after planting. The time from planting to harvest depends on the climatic conditions and the seedlings' age.

Where did the eggplant originate?

Eggplant is also black Ajami, making it a well-known and loved seasonal vegetable worldwide.
Because of its beautiful and delicious flavor, eggplant is used in many delicious meals.
The Egyptians in ancient times believed that the eggplant was a type of plant that may have led to epilepsy and madness.
 The French were aware of eggplant, which appeared to them, but they started eating it in 1700 AD.


Its journey began in India, and from there, it traveled to America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, becoming a beloved and well-known seasonal vegetable worldwide.
In addition, the eggplant is a perennial herbaceous plant in the nightshade family. Its official name is Munalo s. anignolem.


In addition, eggplant can be dark purple, pale purple, or orange.
Since eggplant has a harsh flavor when fresh, it is usually cooked before consumption.
Let's delve into the nutritional value of eggplant, a vegetable that packs a punch in every bite.


Each hundred grams of eggplant contains five to seven grams of carbohydrates and an energy content of one hundred and two kilojoules.
Additionally, eggplant has a potential sugar content of 32 grams and a fiber content of three to four grams.
Regarding protein, eggplant contains 11 g and 91.0 g, respectively.


Ideal conditions for growing eggplant:

The climate is always a limiting factor. Although the plant originates from warm-weather locales, it is delicate to cold and frost. It needs constant temperatures between 21°C and 30°C (70°F and 85°F), with the soil temperature never falling below 20°C (68°F). Cold temperatures will hamper the plant's development process during the growing season. After exposure to intense cold, it is practically impossible for the plant to recover and fail to provide a suitable harvest.

Methods for growing eggplant:

1- How to grow eggplant from seed:

Eggplant is a long-term crop. It needs 60 to 100 days from the beginning of transplantation to the stage of maturity and complete growth. However, if you plan to grow eggplants from seed, there are some facts you need to know. 

First, eggplant seeds require a soil temperature of at least 21°C (70°F) to germinate. Second, optimum moisture levels are essential for the seeds to germinate. Too much water can be harmful. Eggplant seeds germinate in about 8 to 17 days, depending on weather and soil conditions. 

Producers in areas at risk of frost prefer to sow the seeds in fertilized ponds under controlled controlled conditions, and then, after growth, they are moved and transplanted to their final locations. 

Turf is often used as artificial soil to provide optimum aeration. Producers in hot-weather areas can sow seeds directly in the field in the spring. However, this cost-effective method leads to more significant problems as the crop matures and grows.

2- grow eggplant from seedlings:

Purchasing disease-free seedlings from a legitimate, certified seller is essential if you prefer to grow eggplant from seedlings. 

The optimal time for planting seedlings is when 3-4 true leaves grow, and the growth period is 4-6 weeks. After that, planting will fail unless the soil temperature exceeds 20 °C. So, most countries' best period for growing eggplant is during the second half of spring.

Soil requirements and preparation for planting:


Soil type is rarely a limiting factor when planting eggplant. However, the plant thrives best in medium-sandy soil with adequate aeration and drainage. Because of its deeper roots, eggplant is usually more drought-tolerant than tomato plants. 

Eggplant, on the other hand, dislikes wet, soggy soil. Its optimum pH level ranges from 6 to 7. There have been cases when farmers could grow eggplant and achieve an average yield in soils with pH 8.5, but this was done with special treatment.

Essential soil preparation begins one month before planting seedlings. Farmers are keen to plow the soil well at that time. Tillage improves soil aeration and drainage capacity and removes rocks and other unwanted materials from the ground.

After the first week, many farmers begin applying a pre-planting


Fertilizers such as well-mixed manure or synthetic commercial fertilizer (rotted manure or synthetic commercial fertilizer) under the advice of a local licensed and certified agronomist. 

Most farmers combine the manure into the soil's upper layers through cultivators on the same day. The next day is an excellent day to install drip irrigation pipes. 

After installing it, some farmers can add materials to disinfect the soil through the irrigation system if any problems or injuries to the ground are discovered through soil analysis (ask a licensed agricultural expert in your area).

The polyethylene coating is the next and most crucial step (especially in countries with unsuitable soil temperatures during planting). 

Many farmers cover rows and bridges with black, green, and infrared, providing Infrared Transmitting (IRT) or using black plastic film. This technique maintains the root zone temperature at optimum levels (over 21°C or 70°F) and controls weed growth.
Cultivation of eggplant on the farm and planting distances:
In many eggplant-producing countries, the second part of spring is the best time to plant eggplant in the fields. By then, the temperature is around 21°C (70°F), and most of the time, the danger of frost is over. However, in the United States (Florida) and the United Arab Emirates, planting is usually done in August, while harvesting begins in November. In general, growers like seedlings that are 4 to 6 weeks old. 

This is because the plant has 3-4 original leaves. However, farmers have been seen planting 8 to 10-week-old seedlings. Therefore, this method's period between planting and harvesting is often shorter.


Producers plant eggplants in single or double rows. The typical pattern for planting single-spacing rows is 0.4–0.8 m (18–35 in) between plants in a row and 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft) between rows. 

For two-row planting, many growers prefer 0.4–0.8 meters (18–35 inches) between plants in a row and 0.9–1.2 meters (3–4 feet) between rows. 

According to this pattern, 10,000–20,000 plants will be planted per hectare. This, though, is not always the case. Many farmers grow between 25,000 and 35,000 plants per hectare. The distances and the number of plants required are determined by the type of eggplant, environmental and climatic conditions, and, of course, the fruit production target of 1.21 hectares equals 2.47 acres or 10,000 square meters.
A- Fixing the eggplant plant with wooden sticks:

Most eggplant producers use the method of fixing the eggplant with wooden sticks (supports), which has many advantages. 

First, the sticks prevent the foliage and fruits from touching the ground while leaving additional space for ventilation. In addition, harvesting has become much more manageable. An excellent time to begin installation is when the eggplant plants reach 40 cm (16 in) in height. 

Next, the growers tie each plant to a wooden stick that is 0.5 cm (1 inch) thick and 1 to 1.5 meters (50-60 in) long.
Pruning the eggplant
b- Many eggplant producers prefer the eggplant pruning method:

While others believe that pruning retards the plant's fruit development. Those who prune their plants remove most of the plant's final stems during the early stages of growth when it has 3-4 stems. In this way, they force the plant to grow further through the main V-shaped stems, and this method continues to remove excess foliage that can prevent proper aeration. Thus, it protects the plant from disease. 

Moreover, some producers remove most double flowers, leaving the most vigorous plant. This method helps the plant distribute nutrients to the remaining flowers, eventually producing larger fruits.

Eggplant requirements for water and irrigation systems:

According to Utah State University, the proper watering plan for eggplants is to provide them with 2.5–5 cm of water per week (1-2 inches per week).

Indeed, the water requirements will be quite different under different weather and soil conditions. For example, heavy clay soils usually need less irrigation than sandy soils. So, we may not need watering on rainy days or days with high humidity.

 Also, more than one irrigation session may be required on a dry day with high temperatures. Also, different eggplant varieties have other water requirements.

Plants' water requirements increase from pollination to fruit set. Many producers in Mediterranean countries prefer to water their eggplants with up to 1 liter per plant every 2-3 days during the early stages of plant growth. 

However, during the growth stages of the fruit, if the temperature rises too much (35°C or 95°F), it requires more watering and more watering cycles due to the higher needs of the plant.

 Watering is done daily or twice daily, depending on weather conditions. In addition, eggplant is watered in the early morning if the day is cloudy, and other watering sessions are carried out at night during hot periods. 

Watering foliage is usually associated with disease outbreaks. Excessive moisture, especially in the leaves, may lead to disease outbreaks. Water-stressed plants are more susceptible to disease.

The most widely used irrigation system is drip irrigation. Most manufacturers use multi-use or single-use piping hoses and adjust the distance between the holes of the drip holes to 20 cm (7.8 in).

Fertilization requirements for eggplant:

First, you should consider checking the soil condition in your field or farm with semi-annual or annual soil tests before applying any fertilizing method. No one can advise you on fertilization methods without considering the results of soil test data, tissue analysis, and crop growth history in your field. However, we will list the most popular eggplant fertilization schemes which are used by a large number of farmers.

The most common composting method is "injection of fully decomposed manure." The farmer injects the water-soluble fertilizer into the drip irrigation system, gradually supplying the nutrients and giving the plant enough time to absorb them.

Farmers inject fertilizer about 0 to 10 times into the irrigation system over two to three months, from planting to harvest. Many farmers apply fully decomposed old manure in rows two months before planting. They also apply pre-planting fertilizers with a high phosphorous content about a week before planting; fertilizer injection begins ten days after planting. 

Then, they use nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium fertilizer in a ratio of 13:40:13, feeding it with microelements (micronutrients). High phosphorous levels help plants develop a robust root system early. In addition, the micronutrients make it easier for plants to overcome any stress conditions caused by transplanting. After three days, the fertilizer is re-applied in the same ratio of 13:40:13.

During the following weeks, the water-soluble NPK fertilizer is applied once a week at a ratio of 20-20-20. Farmers continue to use this fertilizer in proportions of 20-20-20 until the fruit reaches half its final weight.

 If you get to this stage, potassium levels in the fertilizer will begin to increase with Κ₂SO4 and KNO3; at these stages, eggplant has higher potassium needs to grow large, well-rounded fruits.

Another popular fertilizer injection program for eggplant includes urea, potassium nitrate, and EDTA (Urea, Potassium Nitrate, and EDTA). Urea is injected into the irrigation system 2-4 weeks after sowing, and then KNO3 is injected six weeks after planting until the last stages before harvesting. At the same time, EDTA is administered during the growth period.

However, these composting programs are common patterns you should follow only after researching. Every field is different and has different needs. Checking the soil condition and pH is crucial before applying any fertilizing method. You can consult a knowledgeable and experienced agronomist.

Eggplant harvest yield and storage: 

  *. Most eggplants reach full maturity and are ready to harvest 60 to 80 days after transplanting. As a rule, farmers harvest eggplant before the seeds turn brown.

*. Eggplant is harvested manually during more than one harvest session. 

*. On large commercial farms in the United States, farmers apply one weekly harvesting session for 3–4 weeks in the same field. After years of practice, experienced growers on large farms collect 12 to 15 whole eggplants per healthy plant, depending on the desired type and size of the harvested fruit.

*. After experience and years of practice, a good yield is 25 to 40 tons per hectare. Of course, there are cases where farmers harvest 60 tons per hectare or more. However, such large quantities can be achieved under certain conditions (intensive farming and many years of experience).

*. The eggplant is transferred to storage areas, provided the stores are fantastic but not frozen (10°C – 50°F) to avoid possible weight loss.

Reading also