Brinjal (Solanum melongena), also known as eggplant, is a major vegetable crop in India. This presentation outlines the package of practices for brinjal cultivation, covering climate and soil requirements, varieties, sowing, nutrient and water management, pest and disease control, and harvesting. Key academic concepts include varieties, sowing, nutrient management, pest management, and harvesting.
Introduction to Brinjal
- Brinjal (Solanum melongena) is a widely grown vegetable in India.
- It is cultivated for its edible fruit, rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Suitable for both small-scale and commercial farming.
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Grows best in warm, humid climates (21–30°C).
- Requires well-drained, fertile loamy soils with pH 6.0–7.0.
- Cannot tolerate frost or waterlogging.
Recommended Varieties
- Pusa Purple Long, Pusa Purple Cluster, Arka Keshav, Arka Nidhi, Punjab Bahar, and Bhagyamati are popular varieties.
- Hybrid varieties offer higher yield and disease resistance.
Seed Rate and Sowing
- Seed rate: 400–500 g/ha for open-pollinated, 200–250 g/ha for hybrids.
- Sow seeds in raised nursery beds; transplant 4–6 week-old seedlings.
- Spacing: 60 x 45 cm (varietal), 75 x 60 cm (hybrid).
Field Preparation and Transplanting
- Plough field thoroughly and incorporate organic manure (20–25 t/ha FYM).
- Apply basal dose of fertilizers before transplanting.
- Transplant healthy seedlings with adequate root ball.
Nutrient Management
- Recommended dose: 100–120 kg N, 60–80 kg P2O5, 50–60 kg K2O per hectare.
- Apply half N and full P, K as basal; remaining N in two splits after transplanting.
- Micronutrients (Zn, B) may be supplemented if deficient.
Irrigation Management
- Requires regular irrigation, especially during flowering and fruiting.
- Frequency: 7–10 days in winter, 4–5 days in summer.
- Avoid waterlogging to prevent root diseases.
Weed and Intercultural Management
- Keep field weed-free for first 30–40 days after transplanting.
- Hand weeding or hoeing recommended at 20 and 40 days after transplanting.
- Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Major Pests and Their Management
- Fruit and shoot borer: Remove infested shoots/fruits; spray insecticides (e.g., Emamectin benzoate 0.002%).
- Jassids, aphids, whiteflies: Use neem-based products or recommended insecticides.
- Practice crop rotation and use resistant varieties.
Major Diseases and Their Management
- Bacterial wilt: Use resistant varieties; avoid waterlogging.
- Phomopsis blight: Remove infected plants; spray fungicides (e.g., Mancozeb 0.25%).
- Alternaria leaf spot: Apply appropriate fungicides and maintain field hygiene.
Harvesting and Yield
- Harvest fruits when they are glossy and tender, before seeds harden.
- Harvesting starts 60–80 days after transplanting, continues for 2–3 months.
- Average yield: 25–35 t/ha (varieties), 40–50 t/ha (hybrids).
Summary of Package of Practices
- Select suitable variety and prepare nursery.
- Follow recommended nutrient and irrigation schedule.
- Implement integrated pest and disease management.
- Harvest at proper stage for best quality and yield.
