Seed rate

About 370-500 g of seed are sufficient for raising seedlings for one hectare of land.

Raising seedlings

Brinjal is a transplanted vegetable. Seeds are sown in the nursery and one month old seedlings are transplanted to the main field. For sowing the seeds, raised seedbeds of 90 to 100 cm width and convenient length are prepared in open space with fertile topsoil to which well-decomposed organic matter has been incorporated. Solarization of nursery beds for 30 days prior to sowing is effective in managing dampinf off . Prior to sowing, treat the seeds with fungal culture of Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg of seed to avoid damage from damping off disease. Sowing should be done thinly in lines spaced at 5-7 cm distance at a depth of 2-3 cm and covered with a fine layer of soil followed by mulching with green leaves. After sowing the seeds, irrigate with a rose-can daily in the morning. To avoid mortality of seedlings due to damping off, drenching of the beds with Bavistin @1.5-2.0 g/litre is effective. Remove the mulch immediately after germination of the seeds. Harden the seedling one week before transplanting by withholding irrigation, and irrigate profusely on the previous day of transplanting. The seedlings are ready for transplanting within 4-6 weeks of planting when they attain a height of 15 cm with 2-3 true leaves. Portray seedlings can also be used.  

Time of planting

For rainfed crop, transplant the seedlings during May-June before the onset of south west monsoon. Planting can also be done during September-October for irrigated crop.

Land preparation and transplanting

Prepare the land to a fine tilth by thorough ploughing, incorporate well-rotten organic manure and level the land by planking. Seedlings are transplanted in shallow trenches or pits during summer season and on ridges or level land during rainy season. A pre-sowing irrigation is given 3-4 days prior to transplanting. At the time of transplanting, roots of the seedlings should be dipped in a solution of Bavistin @ 2 g/litre. Transplanting should preferably be done in the evening and seedlings may be given temporary shade for 3-4 days during summer.

Spacing

Spacing depends upon the variety and season of planting. Transplant less spreading varieties like Swetha and Surya at 60 x 60 cm. For spreading varieties like Haritha and Neelima, provide wider spacing of 75-90 x 60 cm.