Eggplants grown during the summer often suffer from a common issue where the top of the fruit splits open, exposing the seeds and causing the fruit to lose its firmness. In severe cases, up to 1/4 of the crop may be affected, significantly reducing both yield and market value.
This splitting at the top is primarily caused by a lack of calcium in the plant. Calcium deficiency can result from several factors, including insufficient calcium in the soil, heavy rainfall that leaches nutrients, excessive nitrogen fertilizer use, high humidity, and serious plant diseases. During the early stages of fruit development, dry soil conditions can lead to the skin becoming tough and less flexible. Later, when sudden rain or irregular watering occurs, the fruit's interior expands rapidly while the outer layer cannot keep up, leading to cracking. However, most cases of top splitting are due to an overall calcium deficiency in the plant.
The causes of calcium deficiency include:
1. **Insufficient Calcium Fertilizer**: Continuous cropping without proper calcium supplementation can lead to soil depletion, especially in greenhouses where nutrient management is crucial.
2. **Excessive Nitrogen Use**: Over-application of nitrogen fertilizers can increase ammonium levels in the soil, which interferes with the plant’s ability to absorb calcium.
3. **Overwatering or Heavy Rain**: Excessive moisture can wash away essential calcium from the soil, making it unavailable for plant uptake, particularly in rainy summers.
4. **Water Stress**: Poor water circulation within the plant can hinder growth. This includes situations where the soil is too dry, limiting calcium absorption, or after heavy rain when high humidity reduces transpiration and impairs root function.
5. **Pests and Diseases**: Neglect in pest and disease control, such as verticillium wilt, blight, root rot, or nematode infestations, can damage the root system and reduce the plant’s ability to take up calcium.
To prevent and manage top splitting in eggplants, consider the following measures:
1. **Apply Calcium-Rich Fertilizers**: Ensure that your fertilization plan includes adequate calcium sources, especially in areas prone to deficiency.
2. **Control Watering**: Maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering. Drain excess water after heavy rains to avoid waterlogging.
3. **Improve Plant Management**: In addition to pest control, regularly spray natural buckwheat and Shuofeng 481 solutions every 20 days to promote healthy root growth and improve nutrient absorption.
4. **Foliar Spraying**: During the rainy season, apply a 0.3% solution of calcium and magnesium ammonium every 3–7 days through foliar sprays to supplement calcium directly to the leaves.
By addressing these issues, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of eggplant top splitting and improve both the quality and quantity of your harvest. Proper care and timely interventions make a big difference in ensuring healthy, marketable crops.
Taizhou TS HARDWARE Co., Ltd , https://www.shuwengroup.com