Eggplant, a vegetable with attractive color and unique taste, is not only a regular on the table, but also a treasure in the hearts of many garden lovers. From an insignificant seed to a heavy fruit, the growth of the eggplant is filled with the wonders of life and the wisdom of nature. This article will take you on a journey of exploration about the growth of eggplant, from seed selection, sowing, daily care to the final harvest, to uncover the mystery of eggplant from germination to maturity, so that you can fully understand the growth trajectory of this green life.
The Growth Cycle Of Eggplant
The growth cycle of eggplant is usually divided into four stages: sowing period, seedling period, flowering and fruiting period and harvesting period. From sowing to harvesting, the entire growth cycle of eggplant takes about 100-160 days, depending on the variety, climate and cultivation conditions.
1. Sowing and germination period
Eggplant seeds in the appropriate temperature (25-30℃) and humidity conditions, generally 5-7 days to germinate. At this stage, the soil must be kept moist to promote the expansion of the seeds to absorb water and germinate smoothly. In order to improve the germination rate, the seeds can be scalded with warm water and kept at a suitable temperature.
2. Seedling stage
From seed germination to transplanting, eggplant takes about 40-60 days. The seedling stage is a critical period for the growth of eggplant, at which time it is necessary to maintain a suitable temperature (daily temperature 25-28 ° C, night temperature 15-18 ° C), and strengthen water and light management to promote the robust growth of seedlings. At the same time, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in time to meet the growth needs of seedlings.
3. Flowering and fruiting stage
Eggplant began to bloom 20-30 days after planting and entered the flowering and fruiting stage. At this time, temperature management is still crucial, 25-30 ° C during the day, and not less than 15 ° C at night is appropriate. At the same time, water management should be strengthened to keep the soil moist and avoid drought and water accumulation. In terms of fertilization, it is necessary to increase the amount of phosphate and potassium fertilizer to promote the development of flowers and fruits. In addition, it is necessary to remove the side branches in time, maintain ventilation and light, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
4. Harvest time
From flowering to maturity, eggplant takes about 20-30 days. Harvest can begin when the length, coarseness and color of the fruit have reached variety characteristics. When harvesting, the soil should be kept moist to prevent drought. At the same time, according to the growth of the plant, timely topdressing to ensure the quality of the fruit. During the harvesting process, care should be taken to avoid damaging the plant and fruit, so as not to affect the subsequent yield and quality.
The Growth Characteristics Of Eggplant
Eggplant is a kind of vegetable that likes heat and light, is tolerant of fertilizer and is not tolerant of cold. Its growth characteristics are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. Temperature requirement
Eggplant is a temperature-loving crop, seed germination is appropriate to about 30-35℃, seedling growth is appropriate to 20-25℃, and night is not lower than 17℃. During the flowering and fruiting period, 25-30℃ during the day and not less than 15℃ at night are appropriate. Daytime temperature below 15-17℃ easy to fall flowers, below 13℃ growth stops. The flower bud development and fertilization period are vulnerable to high temperature, and the flower organ growth is impaired when the temperature exceeds 35℃.
2. Light requirement
Eggplant loves light, and the growing period requires higher sunshine length. It grows well under long day conditions, especially at seedling stage. In the seedling period, the light is insufficient, the plant growth is weak, the flowering period is delayed, the long column flowers are reduced, the short column flowers are increased, and the fruit setting rate is low. Continuous sunny days, flower bud differentiation fast, early flowering. Light is weak, photosynthesis is reduced, and the yield is decreased.
3. Soil requirement
Although the soil requirements of eggplant are not strict, the sandy loam rich in organic matter, loose and fertile soil layer and good drainage is good. Suitable for planting on slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. Loose and fertilizing soil is one of the important measures to increase the yield of eggplant.
4. Water requirement
Eggplant has large leaves, more fruit and greater water requirement. Especially to the fruit expansion stage, according to the test each eggplant plant from seedling to the end of the growth of water consumption of about 120 kg. When the water is insufficient, the fruit yield is less, the fruit surface is rough and the quality is poor. However, excessive moisture or poor drainage caused by rainfall can cause root rot. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the soil moist during the growth process of eggplant to prevent soil drought and water accumulation.
Cultivation And Management Of Eggplant
To obtain high-yield, high-quality eggplant products, careful management is required. The cultivation management of eggplant mainly includes the following aspects:
1. Variety selection
According to the local climate, soil conditions and market demand, choose the appropriate eggplant varieties. Different varieties of eggplant have different growth habits, yield and quality, so choosing the right variety is the key to increase yield.
2. Soil preparation
Select well-drained, fertile soil for deep tillage to improve soil fertility. Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, mainly organic fertilizer, with appropriate amount of compound fertilizer and micro-fertilizer. At the same time, it is necessary to do a good job of soil disinfection and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
3. Sowing and raising seedlings
Plant seeds in time according to local climatic conditions. The northern region is generally sown in March to April, and the southern region can be sown in autumn. Before sowing, the seeds should be treated, such as hot water and bud promotion. It is necessary to maintain appropriate temperature, humidity and light conditions in the process of seedling cultivation to promote the healthy growth of seedlings.
4. Transplanting
When the seedlings grow to a certain height, they should be transplanted in time. When transplanting, choose a clear, windless day to carry out, and maintain proper spacing of plants. After transplanting, water and temperature management should be strengthened to promote slow seedling and growth of plants.
5. Field management
In the growth process of eggplant, it is necessary to strengthen the management of temperature, water, light and fertilization. According to the plant growth and weather conditions, timely watering, topdressing and pest control work. At the same time, it is necessary to do a good job of plant adjustment, such as removing side branches, old leaves and diseased fruits, etc., maintain ventilation and light, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
6. Pest control
Eggplant is vulnerable to some common pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew, spot disease, aphids and so on. It is necessary to adopt a combination of agricultural control, physical control, biological control and chemical control to reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests. Check the health status of the plant regularly, and take appropriate control measures as soon as the presence of pests and diseases is found.
Harvesting And Storage Of Eggplant
When the eggplant fruit grows to a suitable size, it should be harvested in time. Handle with care to avoid damaging the fruit. The harvested eggplant is graded, packaged and stored. Proper temperature and humidity conditions should be maintained during storage to prevent fruit decay and deterioration. At the same time, it is necessary to do a good job of pest control to ensure the quality of the fruit during storage.
Conclusion
The growing process of eggplant is full of many interesting mysteries. By understanding the growth cycle, growth characteristics and cultivation management of eggplant, we can better grasp the growth law of eggplant and improve the yield and quality. In the future agricultural production, we should continue to strengthen the cultivation and management technology research and promotion of eggplant, to provide more high-quality and efficient eggplant products for agricultural production. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the application and promotion of environmental protection and sustainable development concepts to achieve sustainable development of agricultural production.
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