Detailed Explanation of Key Cultivation Techniques for Ratoon Eggplant
Eggplant has the ability to regenerate from old plants. At present, this cultivation technique has become a new challenge in eggplant growing. Ratoon cultivation is a planting method that can increase yield. During the fruiting period of eggplant, renewal work can be carried out so that the eggplant continues to bear fruit. This can save costs, manpower and material resources, so it is a very good cultivation method. However, there is not much experience with ratoon cultivation, so this method is introduced in detail below.
1. Pruning and training
In order to concentrate nutrients for fruit enlargement, first leave one main branch and one side branch on each side of the first fruit, then remove all other side branches, leaving two forks. After the second-layer fruit is set, leave another pair of side branches below and remove the rest. The retained forks then number four, also called the four-door cluster. Continue to retain another pair of side branches and remove the others. After that, pruning and training are no longer needed.
2. Branch pruning
After the old plants flower, pinch off the tips, then apply fertilizer, about 30 jin of high-nitrogen fertilizer per mu. In July, when the eggplant market is at its peak, cut off the double-forked branches on the upper part of the plants, leaving only the base of the plant or the forks, then leave a few plump buds on each plant and remove the other buds.
3. Strengthen management
Pull out weeds and clear away all kinds of dead branches and old leaves, and pay attention to pest and disease control at ordinary times. Water in time to keep moisture, set up shade nets for shading, and combine watering with fertilization, mainly applying compost with high humus content. This can promote the growth of buds and roots. After the eggplant bears fruit again, apply about 60 jin of compound fertilizer per mu. At the time of maximum fruiting, water once a week. To prolong growth, an additional 20 jin of potassium fertilizer and 30 jin of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied.
4. Pest and disease control
When gray mold occurs, use Bacillus subtilis per mu, 20 grams diluted 300 times for spraying. For Phytophthora fruit rot, which mainly damages the fruit and causes sudden death of seedlings, and breaks out severely after rain and high temperatures, use 70% mancozeb·phosethyl-aluminum wettable powder at 500 times dilution or 70% propineb wettable powder at 600 times dilution. For Sclerotinia rot, spray 50% iprodione wettable powder at 1500 times dilution during the flowering period of the first fruit and the second-layer fruit. When red spider mite damage occurs, use 20% acaricide emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution for spray killing.
In fact, ratoon eggplant cultivation is the technique of regenerating old plants, mainly to extend the fruiting period of eggplant. It is prolonged by pruning branches and keeping forks for rejuvenation, reducing the time needed for replanting. However, ratoon cultivation techniques also require certain climatic conditions, and are generally carried out in greenhouses.