Eggplant Flower Drop: What to Do? Latest Control Methods Explained

Eggplant is exceptionally popular in our daily lives. Whether used in cooked dishes or snacks, it is a favorite of many people, so there are also a great many farmers who grow eggplant, especially in rural areas, where basically every household plants it when the eggplant growing season comes. It can be grown both for one's own consumption and to be sold at the market for money. However, during cultivation, flower drop often occurs, seriously affecting eggplant yield. So today let us take a look at how to prevent and control eggplant flower drop.

Causes of Eggplant Flower Drop

There are many causes of eggplant flower drop. It may be that the temperature has not reached the required level, that there is not enough or too much water, poor development of eggplant flowers, insufficient nutrients or improper fertilization, insufficient light, or finally the harm of pests and diseases. But what they all have in common is that they cause eggplant flower drop, thereby reducing eggplant yield. So we need to carry out proper flower drop control according to the different causes of flower drop.

Symptoms of Eggplant Flower Drop

For different causes of flower drop, although all involve flower drop, there are still some subtle differences. But usually, about three or four days after the flowers bloom, the flowers will fall from the eggplant plant. At this time you will find that some flowers only have their petals fall off, while others fall off together with the flower stalk. Those that only lose their petals generally fall due to the harm of pests and diseases, while there are many more reasons for flowers falling together with the flower stalk.

Control Methods for Eggplant Flower Drop

1. Temperature

If eggplant flower drop is caused by temperature, then we need to pay attention to what the optimal temperature for eggplant growth is, and adjust the temperature to that range. In daily life, the temperature difference between day and night is somewhat large, so in order to prevent eggplant flower drop, we had best adjust the temperature at night to above 15°C, and the daytime temperature had best be between 25 and 30°C. Only in this way can the normal growth of eggplant be ensured, and if flowers still drop under these conditions, then it has nothing to do with temperature.

2. Water

Excessive humidity in the soil, or excessive drought, can also cause flower drop. So we need to observe whether the moisture in the field is reasonable. Generally, we only need to touch the soil with a finger; if it feels moist, then it is about right. If we follow the normal standard, that is, the soil moisture should reach about 50%, so that eggplant can grow better. Therefore, we generally water about once every week. If the rainy season comes, the rainwater needs to be drained from the field, otherwise it will cause the plants to develop disease.

3. Nutrients

If the nutrients in the soil are insufficient, or the fertilizer applied is incorrect, then flower drop will also occur. This is especially true during the flowering period, when the nutrients required are very great. As for the flowering period, we generally use phosphate fertilizer and potassium fertilizer as well as an appropriate amount of urea, which can achieve the effect of promoting flowers and preserving fruit. Moreover, we must fertilize in a timely manner so as to ensure that flowers do not drop. Remember that nitrogen fertilizer must not be applied in a one-sided way.

4. Light

Eggplant has relatively high light requirements. During its growth period, it needs sufficient light to maintain normal growth. However, the intensity of light and the duration of light should not be too great or too long. Normally, about eight hours is best. Therefore, when planting, the issue of light needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a site, or a shade shed should be built.