Summer eggplant is a key vegetable during the autumn season. However, due to high temperatures, storms, and pests, its production tends to be low and unstable. With proper management of six essential practices, farmers can achieve a yield of 3,000 kilograms of pollution-free eggplant per mu, generating around 3,000 yuan in revenue. This makes it a profitable and sustainable crop when managed correctly.
To start, cultivating disease-free seedlings is crucial. The best time to sow seeds is between late May and early June. Common varieties used for seedling production include purple long eggplant and inked eggplant. Before sowing, soak the seeds in hot water at 50-60°C for 5-7 days, continuously stirring until the temperature drops to about 30°C. Then, let them soak for 8-10 hours. Afterward, wrap the seeds in a damp towel and place them in a warm environment at 35°C. Rinse them twice daily. Once more than 50% of the seeds have germinated, they are ready to be sown. Cover the seeds with 1-2 cm of fine soil and place a shade net over the seedbed. When the seedlings have two leaves, transplant them into separate pots or beds. Strong seedlings should be about 15 cm tall, with 9-10 true leaves, a stem thickness of 0.6 cm, well-developed roots, and no signs of pests or diseases.
Transplant the seedlings after 20-25 days. The planting density should be around 50-55 plants per square meter. It's best to transplant in the late afternoon to reduce stress on the plants. Water the roots thoroughly and water again the next morning to ensure good establishment.
After transplanting, apply 1,000 kg of non-polluting human urine or 10 kg of compound fertilizer as a top dressing. When the first pods begin to expand, apply 1,500 kg of manure or 15 kg of compound fertilizer. Also, use 2,000 kg of human waste. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during fruit development. Water when the fruit starts to show the bracts, and maintain a regular watering schedule. Use clean, uncontaminated water for irrigation. As the harvest approaches, water every 2-3 days once the soil begins to dry naturally. This ensures the fruits are fully developed, with a fresh and shiny skin.
Pruning is an important part of summer eggplant cultivation. The plant has a regular growth pattern, so a natural pruning method is recommended. At each fork, retain two symmetrical branches that grow horizontally or slightly downward, while removing all other shoots. After flowering, remove the lower buds to encourage better fruit development. For four-door eggplants, in addition to removing side shoots, topping (pinching off the growing tip) is also necessary to control excessive vegetative growth.
Weed control is essential during the summer and autumn seasons. Regular weeding combined with soil cultivation helps suppress weed growth and conserve moisture. Cultivate the soil 2-3 times before the plants close in to keep the field clean. Common pests and diseases that affect summer eggplants include Mianbing disease, Brown spot disease, and the eggplant borer. To manage these, use 70% chlorothalonil diluted 500 times or 80% mancozeb at 800 times. For Brown spot, apply 80% dextromethorphan at 800 times or 70% thiophanate methyl at 1,000 times. For the eggplant borer, use 2000 times dilution of Tefluthrin. Ensure that the last application is at least 7-10 days before harvest to avoid residue issues.
By following these detailed practices, farmers can significantly improve their yields and quality, making summer eggplant a reliable and profitable crop.
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