Productionguide Eggplant
Productionguide Eggplant
Value Varieties Culture and Management Soil Requirement Climatic requirements Seedling Production Land Preparation Transplanting and Maintenance Organic Fertilizer Pest and Disease Management Harvesting of Eggplant References Page i ii iii iii 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 8 10
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List of Tables Table No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Title Nutrient content of eggplant per 100 g edible portion Eggplant varieties found in the PSIA Seed Catalogue Insect pests of eggplant and growth stage of infestation Insect pests of eggplant and their control measures Diseases of eggplant and their control measures Cost and Return Analysis per Hectare in Philippine Money (Peso) Page 1 2 4 4 6 9
List of Figures Table No. 1 Title Beneficial insects which can be used to control pests in eggplant and other crops Page 8
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The EGGPLANT Plant Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) originated from India and is generally grown as a vegetable throughout the tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate areas of the world. It is an important vegetable in countries like India, China, Japan and Philippines. It is termed as aubergine and brinjal (English,) talong (Tagalog), tarong (Ilocano) or bringhinas (Bisaya). It is cultivated for the immature fruits which are roasted, fried or stuffed. Young fruits are also eaten as raw. It has much potential as raw material in pickle making and dehydration industries. It has also been reported to contain certain medicinal properties wherein white eggplants are good for diabetic patients; and can cure toothache. It has also been recommended as an excellent remedy for those suffering liver complaints. Eggplant is grown in 20,907 hectares all over the country (Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, 2006). In 1999 to 2002, it is estimated that over 20,000 hectares of land in the Philippines are devoted to eggplant production with annual production of more than 1479,000 metric tons. Eggplant accounts for 28% of the countrys total volume of vegetable production with major growing areas at low elevation areas of Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas and Western Visayas. The top producers are Ilocos, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog It was reported that on the average, the oblong-fruited eggplant cultivars are rich in total soluble sugar, whereas free-reducing sugars, anthocyanins, phenols, glycoalkaloids (such as solasodine), dry matter and amide proteins. High anthocyanin content and low glycoalkaloid contents are considered essential regardless of how the fruit is used. For processing purposes, the fruits should have high dry matter content and low level of phenolics. Bitterness in eggplant is due to the presence of glycoalkaloids which are highly occurring in plants under Solanaceae family. The glycoalkaloid contents in the Indian commercial cultivars vary from 0.37 mg/100 g fresh weight to 4.83 mg. Generally, the high content of glycoalkaloids (20 mg/100 g fresh weight) produces a bitter taste and off-flavor. The discoloration in eggplant fruit is attributed to high polyphenol oxidase activity. The cultivars which are least susceptible to discoloration are considered for processing purposes. Preferred types are the long purple with green calyx, but some regions also preferred the long or round green-colored varieties. Eggplant is generally cultivated as a mono crop year round which is considered a practice contributing to the escalating problem of insect pests. Nutritional Value Table1. Nutrient content of eggplant per 100 g edible portion Properties Amount Properties Water (g) 92.00 Sulphur (mg) Protein (g) 1.60 Chlorine (mg) Fat (g) 0.20 Vitamin A (I.U.) Fiber (g) 1.00 Thiamine Carbohydrates (g) 4.00 Riboflavin Calcium (g) 22.00 B-carotene (ug) Iron (mg) 0.90 Oxalic acid (mg) Vitamin B1 (mg) 0.08 Magnesium (mg) Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.07 Phosphorus (mg) Niacin (mg) 0.7 Sodium (mg) Vitamin C (mg) 6 Copper (mg) Energy Value (kj) 100 Potassium Calories 24 Amount 44.0 52.0 124.0 0.04 0.11 0.7 18.0 16.0 47.0 3.0 0.17 2.0
Source: Siemonsma J.S. and Piluek, K. (Editors). 1994. PROSEA Handbook No. 8. Vegetables. Pudok, Wageningen. 1993/Prosea, Bogor and AVRDC
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Hybrid chhaya Hybrid Black Pride Allgrow Hybrid Eggplant Zam Japanese type early Bird
55-60
Half Long
70-80
Plant height is 16 inches upright. Fruit is glossy with green calyx. Adaptable in lowland and in relatively cold areas. Cluster bearing (2-3), resistant to bacterial wilt. With long shelf life. Abundant fruiting. High yielding, light green fruits. A Japanese eggplant hybrid that bears numerous fruits. Has long productive life. Very attractive color and firm flesh. Ideal for tempura and frying. Moderately vigorous and uniform plants.
65
Cylindrical
23-25
75-80
45
143
60
90
Allied Botanical
65
70 60
Straight, long, slightly curved Cylindrical Long slender 12 inches log Semiround Long, cylindrical
20
145
22
Purple
90 80
65 60-65
Good tolerance against bacterial wilt. Glossy fruit. High yielding (Pakbet type) moderately resistant to bacterial wilt. Fresh market, bacterial wilt resistant. Fruits are glossy with attractive bright green calyx. A premium quality hybrid.
CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT A. Soil Requirement. Eggplant production can be successful on any good agricultural soil by using appropriate management methods. A deep, fertile and well drained sandy loam or silt loam soils with pH of 5.5 to 6.8 and a high organic content are desirable for eggplant growth and development. Studies have indicated that lower or higher pH results in low yields because pH is closely related to the availability of soil nutrient content. A sandy loam soil is ideal especially when early yield is desired.
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Eggplant is susceptible to root rotting fungi, so saturated soil conditions and heavy clay loam soils should be avoided. Nematode problems are more likely to happen on very heavy soils. B. Climatic Requirements. Eggplant can be grown from low to mid elevations throughout the year. A relatively long growing season of about 120 days is required for successful production. Eggplant is a warm weather plant, and the optimum temperature for growth and fruit development are 21C to 29C. It is intolerant of frost, and the growth of young plants will be retarded when night temperatures are below 16C. On flowering plants, both cool temperature and low light intensity can cause pollen viability and failures of fruit set. Eggplant, though more resistant in drought and excessive rainfall than tomato, has relatively slow growth under high temperature. When both temperature and relative humidity are high, eggplant becomes vegetative. C. Seedling Production. Eggplant is best grown when transplanted. Incorporate 1 kg of fully decomposed chicken manure and 300 g carbonized rice hull/m2. The optimum temperature for seed germination is 24 to 29C. At this temperature, seedlings should emerge in 6-8 days. Wet the seedbeds and make shallow lines 5 inches apart. Sow thinly 200-250 g of seeds and cover lightly with soil, rice hull or chopped rice straws can be used as mulch. Provide partial shade during the dry season and rain shelter during the wet season. Regular watering is necessary. Harden seedlings one week before transplanting by decreasing the frequency of watering and fully exposing to sunlight to minimize transplant shock. Transplant the seedlings four weeks after emergence. Seedlings grown in cells or containers are ideal because they allow field planting without disturbing the root system. Bare rooted seedlings could be successful if the field is irrigated and no drying of the young root system during the planting process. The most recent technique is the use of mechanical sowing. The seeds are mechanically dispersed into the cells or plugs of a PE tray by the seeder. The plug seedlings are raised under greenhouse condition. Fertilize the plug seedlings weekly after two weeks, preferably with a water soluble fertilizer solution. Plug seedlings will be ready to set in the field 4-5 weeks after sowing. D. Land Preparation. Prepare land by plowing and harrowing twice. Make furrows 1m apart. Spread fully decomposed chicken manure along rows at 1 kg/linear meter or 2 kg of vermicompost/m2. Apply complete fertilizer (14-14-14) at 10-15 g/hill and cover tightly with soil. E. Transplanting and Maintenance. A total of 13,500-16,000 seedlings are needed for transplanting for an area of 1 hectare, depending on spacing distances. A cloudy, cool weather condition and moist but not wet soil are ideal for transplanting. During sunny days, transplanting is best done in the late afternoon to allow the seedlings to recover at night. However, seedlings that are adequately hardened with slightly damaged roots could recover well when transplanted in a well-irrigated field, even on a hot day. About 6-9 days before transplanting, seedlings are hardened by slightly withholding water and exposing them to strong sunlight by removing the netting. This will decrease the transplanting shock. The seedlings are thoroughly watered 12-14 hours before transplanting to the field. The ideal seedlings to be transplanted have 3-4 true leaves, stocky and diseased free. Generally, seedlings are ready to set in the field 4-6 weeks after sowing. Eggplant seedlings are transplanted by hand into a hole deep enough to bury a plant. After transplanting, press the soil firmly around the root, and irrigate furrows immediately. Plant 1 seedling/hill at a distance of 0.5-1.0 m depending on the variety. Provide 1m long stake to prevent lodging. Irrigate by furrow every 7-14 days depending on season and soil type. Side dress the seedlings with 46-0-0 at 10 g/hill every two weeks during the vegetative stage. Use equal parts of 46-0-0 and 0-0-60 at the start of fruiting. Weed two-three times during the growing season, or as necessary. Weeds are controlled either by physical/mechanical methods. Mulching with black polyethylene will effectively control weeds and greatly lessen labors. Natural organic mulches (rice straw, rice hull) not only help conserve moisture, but also add organic matter to the soil. F. Organic Fertilizer: Fertilizer should be bio-degradable materials of microbial, plant or animal origins produced on organic farms such as vermicompost and processed chicken manure. Basal applications of organic compost of 5-10 tons/ha are needed for vegetable crops. Supplementary application of
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Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) of Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ) should also be applied twice a week up to flowering stage. G. Pest and Disease Management. Timely protection of crops is essential. In the tropics, eggplant is attacked by several pests. Chemical sprays, botanical and biological pesticides are used to control pests. Insect infestation is one of the most limiting factors for accelerating yield potential of eggplant. The crop is prone to damage by various insects, although there is wide variability in the degree of infestation. Several pests infest eggplants during its growth stages. Table 1 and Table 2 present pests that damage eggplant at different growth stages and their control, respectively. Table 3. Insect pests of eggplant and growth stage of infestation
Growth Stages 0 Stage - Seeds Seedling Stage - Leaves Vegetative Stage - Leaves - Stem Ants Aphids Whiteflies Aphids Colorado potato beetle Flea beetle Spider mites Stink bug Thrips Whiteflies Eggplant fruit and shoot borer Aphids Colorado potato beetle Flea beetle Spider mites Stink bug Thrips Whiteflies Eggplant fruit and shoot borer Eggplant fruit and shoot borer Insects/Mites
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Aphids (Aphis gossypii) Both the nymphs and the adults pierce the plant tissues to feed on plant sap. Cause severely distorted leaves. Defoliation and stunted growth of plant. Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) Adults and larvae feed on leaves and often consume the entire leaves starting with the young and soft ones.
Place yellow sticky traps on planting area Place yellow basin trap on the area Use botanical pesticides such as ginger rhizome extract and custard apple leaf extract Spray soap mixed with water (coconutbased soap) Spray ammonia mixed with water
Crop rotation (garlic and beans as rotation crops and coriander, marigold, and tansy are good trap crops). Remove weeds. Plow-under crop residues after harvest. Crush eggs and collect adults manually. Place collected beetles in a pail of soapy water. Use row covers. Mulching encourages beneficial insects, by giving them a habitat.
Cutworm
Young caterpillars eat the soft leaves of the plant. Fully grown caterpillars are capable of eating the entire plant. Newly hatched larvae feed from the base towards the tip of the leaf. It causes leaf discoloration. It causes yellowing of plant leaves.
Spider Mite
Removal of weeds in and around fields (at least 2-3 weeks before planting). Plow and harrow fields properly before planting. Interplant main crops with onion, garlic, peppermint, coriander, or garlic every 10-20 rows. Sunflowers and cosmos can also be planted as a trap crop in or around fields. Place protective collars made of plastic or paper cups, plastic drink bottles with ripped-out bottom, sturdy cardboard, and milk cartons around the young plant and push into the soil to prevent the cutworm from attacking the stem. Place sticky substances such as molasses, saw dust, or crushed eggshells around the base of each plant. Wilted shoots are the Plow the field to expose larvae to predators and initial feeding damage. weather. Damaged stem and fruit Plant resistant varieties. have small holes. Raise seedlings under row covers and/or nets It bores into the young to prevent the moths from directly laying eggs fruit and feeds inside on them. which makes the fruit Practice crop rotation. unmarketable. Proper field sanitation will also reduce the pest population. Cut and/or prune immediately the larvaeinfested shoots. Do not drop the cut shoots in the field, burn or cut them into small pieces. Uproot all old plants after harvest and burn them. Use pheromone traps. Feeds on the undersides of leaves. Spray botanical pesticides like Coriander seed extract. The upper leaf surface has a speckled or mottled appearance while the underneath
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Stink bud
Thrips
appears tan or yellow and has a crusty texture. Infested leaves may turn yellow, dry up, and drop in a few weeks. Heavy infestation will result in a fine cobweb by appearance on the leaves. Plants die when infestation is severe. Adults and nymphs suck plant sap from Remove and control weeds from leaves, flowers, bolls, buds, fruits, and fields and also in the adjacent from the seeds of a wide array of crops. fields. Feeding on fruits causes scarring and Plant small flowering plants to dimpling known as cat-facing. attract native parasitic wasps and flies. Feeding on the developing grains of rice at the milking stage causes Plow-under all plant debris after shriveling and empty seeds with brown the harvest to destroy all possible spots. breeding sites. Feeding on cotton bolls prevents bolls Place parasitoids such as native to open or stains the lint or causes bolls parasitic wasps on the area. to drop. Sucking up the released plant fluid. Spray botanical pesticides such as garlic bulb extract. Cause tiny scars on leaves and fruit, called stippling, which can cause stunted growth. Damaged leaves may become papery and distorted. Infested terminals lose their color, rolls, and drop leaves prematurely.
Whiteflies
Caterpillar
Both the larvae and adults pierce and suck the sap of Spray botanical the leaves. pesticides such as garlic oil extract, Results to the weakening and early wilting of the madre de cacao and plant which results to reduced plant growth. neem extract, and Feeding may also cause yellowing, drying, premature neem oil extract. dropping of leaves that result in plant death. Spray soap (coconut Whiteflies produce honeydews that serve as the based). substrates for the growth of black sooty molds on Spray potato flour leaves and fruit. mixed with water and Mold reduces photosynthesis causing the poor plant drops of liquid soap. growth of the plant. Caterpillar may feed on the foliage Spray hot pepper extract mixed and/or fruit (depending on species), or with coconut-based soap and they may feed on young stems near the water. soil line. Fruit-feeding caterpillars like fruitworms are the greatest threat during the fruiting period.
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Bacterial Wilt
Wilting of the terminal leaves, which after 2 - 3 days becomes permanent when the whole plant wilts due to the active development of the disease Sudden death of whole plant. Plant stunts and produces large numbers of adventitious roots on the stem (slow development of disease).
Damping-off
Verticillum Wilt
Remove and destroy all infected plants immediately. Pour hot water to infected soil after infected crops are removed (for disinfection) Rotate crops other than solanaceous crops. Rice, corn, beans, cabbage, and sugarcane are found to be resistant to bacterial wilt. Expose farm tools to heat before using them in another field. Dark-brown to black water-soaked lesions that Improve the drainage and rapidly spread over the entire seedling causing regulate soil moisture to the seedling to wilt and die (Pythium spp.). prevent soil saturation. Reddish-brown lesions on stem and death of Seed treatment. growing tips. Crop rotation to cereal crops. Lesions are also found on roots and stem near the soil line that cause the seedlings to wilt and Soil fumigation or solarization may reduce eventually die (Rhizoctonia solani) damping-off in the field. Dark-brown lesions on the stem and dark-brown Use pasteurized soil mixes lesions on roots and stems at or near the crown, in nurseries. killing the seedlings. (Fusarium species). Stunted and wilted plants. Use pasteurized soil mixes in nurseries. Initial symptom is yellowing of the Seed treatment. leaf margins which later turn Soil sterilization and soil fumigation. brown and cause the plant to wilt. Crop rotation with non-solanaceous crops are recommended Lengthwise cut of the infected stem shows dark-brown Grafting eggplants on suitable rootstocks also minimizes the disease infestation. discoloration in the vascular Use of verticilium wilt resistant varieties. tissue. Good water management. Avoid prolonged saturation of the soil or standing water around the base of trees or other susceptible plants Provide good soil drainage. Avoide movement of infested soil, water, and plant parts from an area where Phytophthora rot has developed. Plant resistant variety. Perform crop rotation. Destroy infected plant material to reduce initial inoculums Plant pathogen-free seed and/or resistant varieties Transplants should be Phomopsis-free 3-4 year crop rotation is beneficial, since the fungus does not infect other crops Weed control Apply fungicides in combination with the above cultural practices.
Phytophthora Blight
Damping-off of seedlings in seedbeds, spotting of leaves, and a collar rot of the main stem that often results in death of infected plants. Dark-brown spots, watersoaked with a light-colored border which expand rapidly and can cover mature fruits in 3 to 4 days. Circular brown spots with numerous black fruiting bodies of the fungus appear on the leaves Fruit develops spots with pale sunken areas that gradually turn into a black mummy dry rot.
Phomopsis
1RCPC
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A. Damsel Bug
B. Diadegma
C. Lacewings
D. Spider
E. Hoverfly
F. Ground beetle
G. Ladybird Beetles
H. Tachinid fly
I. Roove Beetles
J. Trichogramma
K. Braconid
Figure 1. Beneficial insects which can be used to control pests in eggplant and other crops. H. Harvesting of Eggplant. The fruit of the eggplant can be harvested anytime after they have reached sufficient size for your intended market. In any case, be sure to harvest fruit before their flesh becomes tough and their seeds begin to harden. Harvest at least once per week, although two harvests per week would ensure harvesting most fruit at the optimal stage of maturity. Cut the fruit off with a knife or pruning shears, be sure to leave the calyx (cap end) attached to the fruit. Because the fruit bruises easily, eggplant is not run across a grading line. Fruits are generally sorted by size, color and field-packed into bushel baskets or cartons, depending on the market.
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Table 6. Cost and Return Analysis per Hectare in Philippine Money (Peso) Activities Qty Unit Land preparation (mechanized) Mowing 4 hrs Plowing 8 hrs Vermicompost Application 4 M/D Harrowing (2x) 8 hrs Rotavation 4 hrs Furrowing 1 MAD Seedling Preparation Sowing 1 M/D Land prep/potting 2 M/D Pricking 10 M/D Maintenance 5 M/D Transplanting/Basal fertilization 20 M/D Cultivation (Off- barring and Hilling-up) 4 M/D Field Maintenance Irrigation (furrow-10x)- MD/Irrigation-2-workers operation 30 M/D Side dressing (3x) 4 M/D Weeding (3x) 12 M/D Spraying 30 M/D Harvesting/hauling,upgrading and packing) 60 M/D Supplies and Materials Seeds Fertilizers Complete (14-14-14) Urea (46-0-0) Muriate of Potash Vermicompost Fungicide Insecticide Biological Pesticide Coir Dust Cost of Production (P) 250 2 4 1 50 1 2 2 1 gms Bags bags Bags bags box li li sack Php Low 10 100,000 19,310 24
Rate/Unit 1,500 1500 250 1500 1500 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 Sub-total 6,,000 1,300 1,200 2,000 250.00 500 600 650 40 Sub-Total
Total Cost 750 1,500 1,000 1500 750 250 250 500 2,500 1,250 5,000 1,000 7,500 3,000 3,000 7,500 15,000 52,250 1,500 2,600 4,800 4,000 12,500 500 1,200 1,300 40 28,440.00 80,690
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References Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. Production area, production (mt.) and other data. 2010. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. 27 November 2011. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. "Abelmoschus esculentus - (L.) Moench.", Plants for a Future, June 2004. Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. 2009 William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins (Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009). Cultural Directions for Philippine Agricultural Crops. Volume No. 11. Vegetables. Ed. 1974. Published by Public Affairs Office. Bureau of Plant Industry. San Andres St. Malate. Manila. McWhorter, John H. The Missing Spanish Creoles: Recovering the Birth of Plantation Contact Languages. University of California Press. p. 77.ISBN 0-520-21999-6. (2000). National Research Council "Okra". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables. (2006-10-27). Lost Crops of Africa. 2. National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-10333-6. (Retrieved 2008-07-15.) Kochhar @physiology.wise.edu. October 26,2010 www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/okra.html. Fruits & Veggies Matter: Home: Eat a Colorful Variety of Fruits and Vegetables Every Day for Better Health | CDC . www.seedtosupper.com/okra.html. A Gardener's Cookbook Series, What To Grow, How To Grow It, And What To Do With It Once It's Grown! www.seedtosupper.com/okra.html. A Gardener's Cookbook Series, What To Grow, How To Grow It, And What To Do With It Once It's Grown! National Research Council "Okra". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables. (2006-10-27). Lost Crops of Africa. 2. National Academies Press.ISBN 978-0-309-10333-6. Retrieved 2008-07-15. Fruit and Shoot Borer-Resistant Eggplant. Date Retrieved, September 25, 2012. hhttp://www.infonetbiovision.org/default/ct/116/cropsttp://www.absp2.cornell.edu/resources/factsheets/documents/ eggplant_factsheet_20051100.pdf Dr. Bissdorf Jewel, ed. 2010. Field Guide to Non-chemical Pest Management in Eggplant Production .Date retrieved, September 25,2012 Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot in the Garden. Date Published, 08/06. Date retrieved, September 28, 2012. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74133.html Dr. French Ronald. Phomopsis Fruit Rot and Blight on EggplantDecember 18, 2009. Date Retrieved, September 28, 2012. http://amarillo.tamu.edu/files/2010/11/PhomopsisEggplantOP.pdf
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Editorial Team: Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril Ms. Solita R. Sicat Ms. Elenita Sison Ms. Ma. Teresa S. Buo
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January, 2013
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