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Crop Production

Brinjal or eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important solanaceous crop of sub-tropics and tropics. The name brinjal is popular in Indian subcontinents and is derived from Arabic and Sanskrit whereas the name eggplant has been derived from the shape of the fruit of some varieties, which are white and resemble in shape to chicken eggs. It is low in calories and fats, contains mostly water, some protein, fibre and carbohydrates. It is a good source of minerals and vitamins and is rich in total water soluble sugars, free reducing sugars, amide proteins among other nutrients.
In India, it is one of the most common, popular and principal vegetable crops grown throughout the country except higher altitudes. In hilly regions, it is grown only in summer. It is a versatile crop adapted to different agro-climatic regions and can be grown throughout the year. It is a perennial but grown commercially as an annual crop. A number of cultivars are grown in India, consumer preference being dependent upon fruit color, size and shape.

Soil and Climate: Though brinjal can be grown on all types of soils, generally, well drained silt-loam and clay-loam soils are preferred for brinjal cultivation. The soil should be deep, fertile and well drained. A soil pH of 5.5 to 6.0 is good for better growth and Brinjal requires long and warm season during growth and fruit maturation. The optimum growing temperature is 20-30 degree C and at temperature below 17 degree C growth is affected and also results in deformed fruits.

Season: Though it can be grown throughout the year, June-July, October-November and January-February (in Bangalore/south Indian condition) are suitable months for sowing but sowing and transplanting time differ as per agro-climatic conditions. In the northern plains of India, mainly two sowings of autumn-winter (June-July) and spring (October-November) crop are taken. Sowing time in central and southern India is July-August and December-January. In hilly regions, seed is sown in March¬April and seedlings are transplanted in May. 

Cultural practices
Cultural Practices

  1. Seed Rate: For raising one ¬hectare crop, 200-250 g seeds are required for open pollinated varieties whereas for hybrids 100-120g seeds are required. The nursery is sown on raised beds of 1.25 m width and 20 cm height. Fumigation with 1.5% solution of formalin is found effective for controlling the mortality at seedling stage. Seed treatment with fungicide like Thiram or Captan at 3g/kg of seed before sowing protects the seedlings from soil borne diseases. Seed priming with gibberellins improves the seed vigour, germination and uniformity of the nursery. Seed treatment with IAA (30 ppm) and subsequent application of Phorate and Endosulfan showed beneficial effect on yield and control of shoot and fruit borer.  In order to get better crop establishment and to have uniform , healthy seedlings which are free from pests and diseases the time of planting, it is advised to use portray raised seedlings.  
  2. Spacing : The planting distance depends upon the soil fertility, growing season and cultivar. Usually, 75 x 60 and 90 x 90 cm distance between rows and plants is given to vigorous growing, round and high yielding cultivars; 45 x 45 cm to early and dwarf type and 60 x 45 cm to semi-vigorous or mid season. For Open pollinated varieties a spacing of 90cm x 50 cm between the rows and between the plants respectively is being followed. This will again depend upon the fertility of the soil. In case of F1 hybrids the common spacing followed is 90 x 60 cm /100cm x 60cm (in south Indian conditions)
  3. Transplanting: A few days before transplanting, the land is either with plough or with a marker designed for the purpose depending upon the spacing followed, usually 1.0m X 50 for hybrids and 90 cm x 50 cm. for open pollinated varieties. Brinjal seedlings are transplanted when the seedlings are 4-6 weeks old or at 3-4 leaf stage. Ridges and furrows are prepared at 60 to 40 cm distance depending upon the fertility of the soil. Irrigate one day before planting. The field is irrigated lightly, holes at appropriate spacing as mentioned above are made and seedlings are planted on sides of ridges with one seedling per hill. Irrigation is done after planting and once in 4-5 days there after (in south Indian Conditions).
  4.  Manures& Fertilizers: The fertilizer requirement of brinjal also depends upon soil type, crop rotation, season, genotype and the region of growing. It was observed that brinjal grown after leguminous crop or green manuring yield higher than following a non-leguminous or without green manuring. About 25 tonnes farm yard manure is required for one hectare of land. The application of micronutrients alone or in combination with major nutrients not only increased the yield, but improved the quality also. For open pollinated varieties a fertilizer dose of 120 kg, 80 kg and 50 kg of NPK are recommended. 60kg N and entire quantity or P and K fertilizers applied as basal and the remaining 60kg N applied as top dressing 30 days after transplanting. For F1 hybrids a fertilizer dose of 180kg, 150kg and 120kg of NPK is recommended, 60 kg N and half the quantity of P and K fertilizers are applied as basal and the remaining quantities of P and K and 60 kg N top-dressed 30 days after. A 3rd dose of 60kg N is applied 50 days after transplanting. The fertilizer use efficiency also increases with trickle irrigation, as N doze of 180 kg/ha gave same yield with drip system as that of 360 kg/ha with furrow. 
  5. Weeding:  Brinjal being a slow-growing crop is unable to compete with fast-growing weeds .Shallow inter-cultutivation is given to remove weeds from the early growth itself. About 3-4 hoeings are normally needed for an effective control of weeds, proper aeration and good growth of the plants. Mulching in brinjal with black polythene film reduces weed growth, increases crop growth, early bearing and total yield. 
  6. Irrigation:   High yields of brinjal are obtained under optimum moisture conditions. Timely irrigation is essential for good fruit set and its development. Drip irrigation is beneficial for reducing water use and weed control. It is recommended to irrigate brinjal after every 3rd and 4th day during summer season and after 12-15 days during winter season. Irrigation is given according to local need taking into consideration soil type, stage of crop growth and weather condition. Drip system of irrigation effectively reduces the water use, controls the weeds and increases the yield. With drip system and white polythene mulching, irrigation requirements reduced by 29% and yield increased by 18%. The water use efficiency increased by 66% than the open plot. Trickle irrigation in brinjal requires 6000 cubic cm / ha water compared with 11000 cubic cm in furrow system. 
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