Planting Seedlings
It is currently winter, and seedling cultivation can only be done in a nursery. Eggplant seeds require higher temperatures for germination, and the growth of seedlings is relatively slow. Due to the low temperatures, it is essential to grow eggplant seedlings in a controlled nursery environment. Compared to tomatoes, eggplant seedlings take longer to develop—approximately 70 days. Therefore, transplanting is typically done in late March, with sowing starting as early as January. Eggplant seedlings are vulnerable to bacterial wilt and damping-off, so the soil in the seedbed must be thoroughly disinfected. To make efficient use of the space, seedlings can be spread out and transplanted 1-2 times. Usually, the first transplant occurs when there are 3-4 true leaves, and the second transplant takes place when there are about 6 leaves. The final spacing between plants should be around 10-13 cm.
After germination, eggplants should be soaked before sowing to ensure uniform and rapid emergence. The temperature in the nursery should be slightly higher than that for tomatoes and peppers. In the greenhouse, the temperature should be maintained at around 25°C after sowing, 15-20°C on cloudy days, and 25-20°C on sunny days. At night, the temperature should not drop below 10°C. Fertilization for eggplant seedlings is also more intensive than for tomatoes. In addition to organic manure, some phosphorus fertilizer should be added to promote strong root development and overall growth.
In the early stages of seedling growth, the seedlings should be transplanted 1-2 times. Seedlings that are too dense or weak should be removed during this process, usually 30-50 days after sowing. When the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, the first transplant is performed, followed by a second transplant one month later.
Transplanting
In the spring of the following year, eggplants will be transplanted. It is important to avoid planting them alongside other solanaceous crops like tomatoes or peppers to prevent diseases such as bacterial blight and bacterial wilt. This practice should be rotated every 3-4 years. Eggplants thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with good water retention. Deep plowing, about 30 cm, helps improve soil structure, increase microbial activity, and enhance nutrient availability. Adding slag fertilizer as a base fertilizer can further improve growth and yield.
Proper plant spacing is crucial for maximizing yield. Dense planting allows for a higher leaf area coefficient earlier, which supports early fruit production and increases total output. For example, in Chengdu, a spacing of 66 cm between rows and 50 cm within rows is commonly used. Wide and narrow row systems help with air circulation and light penetration. However, over-crowding can lead to issues like brown spot disease and poor fruit color, making plants more prone to lodging.
Field Management
Fertilization is key to achieving high yields. Since eggplants have a long growing season, regular top-dressing is essential. After transplanting, thicker manure or chemical fertilizers, mainly nitrogen-based like urea, should be applied at 10-15 kg per 100 m². Heavy fertilizer applications should be done 2-3 times throughout the growing season. The first heavy application should be done before cultivating the soil, with a concentration of 60-70%, while the second can be applied in the furrow. Eggplants produce fruit in cycles, with periods of lower yield after each harvest. Proper fertilization reduces these fluctuations and improves overall productivity.
Consistent moisture is critical for eggplants. If the soil becomes dry, irrigation should be provided immediately. Poor drainage can lead to disease outbreaks, so proper drainage, especially during the rainy season, is essential.
Weeding and soil cultivation are important during the growing period. In the early stages, the soil should be loosened to a depth of 5-7 cm, and in later stages, to 3-4 cm. After heavy rains, it's important to cultivate the soil while it's semi-dry to prevent compaction. When the plants reach about 30 cm in height, the soil should be cultivated around the roots. Before cultivation, top-dressing should be applied to avoid damaging the roots and reduce wind damage. Eggplants tend to grow tall and may need support to prevent lodging.
Pruning and leaf removal are necessary to improve air circulation and light exposure. Excessive foliage can lead to poor ventilation, resulting in flower and fruit drop. Removing the lower lateral branches near the root can help reduce this issue.
Harvesting
Eggplants are typically harvested in mid-June. The harvesting process usually involves several cycles. Timely harvesting ensures more fruits and a consistent yield. Delayed harvesting can affect fruit quality and reduce yield, as developing seeds consume significant nutrients. The standard for harvesting is to look for a white or light green ring at the base of the fruit, known as the "eggplant eye." A clear, wide ring indicates rapid growth, while a fading ring suggests slower growth and the need for immediate harvesting.
Seed Retention
High bamboo shoots and eggplant varieties can be retained for seed production. Each year, seedlings should be purified and rejuvenated to maintain a high-quality brand. Select healthy, disease-free plants with desirable characteristics. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be used to control nitrogen application, ensuring better seed development. Seeds should be fully matured on the plant, with a yellow, soft skin indicating readiness for harvest. Typically, the second layer of fruit is reserved for seed, while the first or last fruits should be avoided. After harvesting, the fruit should be dried for 7-10 days before processing. Once ripe, the seeds are separated from the pulp, cut into pieces, and the middle section is kept. The pulp is then crushed in water, allowing the seeds to sink and be washed out. After drying, they should be covered with cloth to protect from sunlight. Seed yield varies by variety; for example, Chengdu Moke eggplants can yield about 0.6 kg per 100 kg of fruit. Crossbreeding between different varieties is rare if they are planted more than 50 meters apart.
Author: Agronomist from the Chengdu Agricultural Quality Monitoring Center
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