Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2023 - 63

the first true leaves appear, or seed can be sown directly into
the pots and thinned to a single plant per pot. Control aphids on
seedlings in greenhouse before transplanting to field.
Transplanting Dates. Harden plants for a few days at 60° to
65°F and set in field after danger of frost and when average daily
temperatures have reached 65° to 70°F.
Drip Irrigation and Fertilization. After mulching and installing
the drip irrigation system, the soluble fertilizer program should
be initiated using the following table. On low to low-medium
boron soils, also include 0.5 pound per acre of actual boron.
The first soluble fertilizer application should be applied
through the drip irrigation system within a week after field-transplanting
the eggplant. Continue fertigating until the last harvest.
SUGGESTED FERTIGATION SCHEDULE FOR EGGPLANT*
(high soil potassium)
Daily
Days after
planting
Preplant
0-22
22-49
50-70
71-91
92-112
nitrogen
0.5
0.7
1.0
1.1
1.0
Daily
potash
0.5
0.7
1.0
1.1
2.0
Cumulative
Nitrogen
(lb / A)
50.0
60.5
80.1
101.1
124.2
145.2
100.0
110.5
130.1
151.1
174.2
195.2
ALTERNATIVE FERTIGATION SCHEDULE FOR EGGPLANT*
(low soil potassium)
Daily
Days after
planting
0-22
22-49
50-70
71-91
92-112
nitrogen
0.5
0.7
1.0
1.1
1.0
*Adjust based on tissue analysis.
Daily
potash
0.5
1.4
2.0
2.2
2.0
Cumulative
Nitrogen
(lb / A)
60.5
80.1
101.1
124.2
145.2
111.0
150.2
192.5
238.7
280.7
Potash
HARVESTING AND STORAGE
Eggplant may be harvested once the fruit has reached one-half
to full size for a given variety. However, harvesting prior to full
size may reduce potential yields.
Harvest-ready fruit have a glossy appearance and are firm,
without wrinkles. Harvest eggplant fruit before they become
over mature. When over mature, the fruit is dull in color, seeds
are hard and dark, and the flesh is characteristically spongy.
Although the fruit can often be " snapped " from the plant, they
should be clipped with a sharp knife or scissors to prevent damage.
When harvesting, cut the stem approximately 1/4 inch from
the fruit. Eggplant skin is tender and easily bruised, so handle
with care. See Table 14 for further postharvest information.
Potash
SPECIAL NOTES FOR PEST MANAGEMENT
INSECT MANAGEMENT
Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB), Flea Beetles (FB): CPB has
the ability to rapidly develop resistance to insecticides. Refer to
" Eggplant " insecticide section for management options. The use
of row covers can be highly effective for flea beetle management
early in the season while plants become established and before
flowering at which time row covers will need to be removed for
optimum pollination.
Silverleaf Whitefly: Treat when an average of 5 or more adults
are found per leaf.
Weed Management. See " Mulching " section for further information
on weed control under clear plastic mulch.
RATOONING EGGPLANT: PRODUCING A FALL CROP FROM
A SPRING PLANTED CROP
Ratooning eggplants can be done after the first crop is complete
to allow a second crop to develop. Depending on the location,
the first crop may be completed by June or July. Plants at this
point will appear " topped out, " not producing any more flowers
and any subsequent fruits. Mow plants 6 to 8 inches above
the soil line, being sure to leave two to three leaf axils. Next,
fertilize with 50 to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre and 80 to 100
pounds of potash per acre (K2
vigorous re-growth and stimulate flowering. Plants will begin
producing fruit 4 to 6 weeks after ratooning and should produce
eggplants until frost.
O). This combination will produce
2023 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States
63
Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2023

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