Eggplants, or brinjals, are fascinating vegetables with male and female flowers that will grow on the same plant. The male flowers appear first and can be identified by their long, slender stems without any swelling at the base. The female flowers, on the other hand, have a small bulge at the base, which is the beginning of the fruit, and they also have a shorter stem than the male flowers.
The female flowers are extremely important in the eggplant plant’s fruit production. Once pollinated by insects like bees, the female flowers mature and grow into the fruit we consume. Even though it is not sure all female flowers will develop into fruit, some may naturally fall off the plant.
To ensure a successful eggplant harvest, it is essential to have a balanced ratio of female to male flowers. Farmers and gardeners can achieve this by using appropriate fertilizers and watering techniques and providing the necessary environmental conditions to attract pollinators. Ultimately, eggplant is a versatile vegetable with culinary and nutritional benefits, and understanding its unique reproductive process is crucial for optimal yield.
How to Increase Female Flowers in Brinjal/Eggplant
Introduction to Brinjal/Egg Plant Cultivation
Eggplant, or brinjal, is an important crop in sub-tropical and tropical regions. It can be grown year-round and is derived from Arabic and Sanskrit. The name “eggplant” comes from certain varieties of plants that produce white fruits shaped like chicken eggs. Although eggplant is a perennial, it is commercially grown annually.
The Solanaceae family, which includes eggplant, is characterized by five-petaled flowers that are funnel-shaped or conical and leaves that are alternate or alternate-to-opposite. Each flower has male and female reproductive organs, enabling self-pollination, with the fruit developing from the female part.
Understand the Anatomy of Brinjal/Egg Plant Flowers
The Solanaceae family, which includes eggplant, is recognized for its five-petaled flowers that are often funnel or conical-shaped and its alternating or alternate-to-opposite leaves. They typically have stamens occurring in multiples of four. This family has important members such as potato, tomato, chili pepper, tobacco, and deadly nightshade, which are used as food and drug sources. The brinjal flowers range from purple to white and have yellow stamens and a five-lobed corolla.
Heterostyly is a common feature of this plant. Four different flower types have been identified based on the style’s length. Long and medium-styled flowers are used for fruit-setting, with 70-85% fruit-setting in long-styled and 12-55% in medium-styled flowers. Anthers break off 15 to 20 minutes after blooming, and stigma receptivity peaks during flower opening 40-45 days after transplantation. The non-fruit-setting flowers have a shorter stem, smaller stigma, and underdeveloped papillae.
Best Variety of Brinjal/Egg Plant for Cultivation
Pusa Purple Long, Pusa Purple Cluster, Azad Kranti, Pusa Purple Round, Pusa Hybrid-5, Arka Keshav, Arka Shirish, Pusa Barsati, Arka Kusumkar, Arka Navneet(F1), Pusa Uttam, Arka Navneet, Punjab Bahar, Arka Nidhi.
In case you missed it: Barbarella Brinjal Farming: A Step-By-Step Guide for Seed to Harvest
Optimal Growing Conditions for Brinjal/Egg Plant
- Plough the field 4-5 times with intervals for fine tilth and level the field by planking.
- Divide the field into beds and channels and incorporate 15-20 tonnes of well-decomposed farmyard manure during land preparation.
- Spacing depends on the variety grown and the season of planting. Long-fruited varieties are transplanted at 60×45 cm, round varieties at 75×60 cm, and high-yielding varieties at 90×90 cm.
- Pre-soaking irrigation 3-4 days before transplanting, dip seedling roots in Bavistin solution (2g/liter of water), and transplant preferably in the evening.
- Apply 150 kg N, 100 kg P2O5, and 50 kg K2O for optimum yield—half dose of N and a full dose of P and K at planting. The remaining half of N is in 3 equal split doses. For hybrid varieties, apply 200 kg N, 100 kg P2O5, and 100 kg K2O. Apply 25% N and 100% P & K as basal doses. Remaining 75% of P in 3 equal split doses. First split dose of N 20 days after transplanting, second before flowering onset, and third after the first harvest.
- Give light irrigation on the first and third day after transplanting. Give irrigation at 8-10 days during winter and 5-6 days during summer.
- Keep the field weed-free and perform shallow cultivation frequently to facilitate soil aeration and root development. Avoid deep cultivation to prevent root damage and exposure of moist soil to the surface.
- Give 2-3 hoeing and earthing up to keep the crop weed-free.
Brinjal/Egg Plant Flowering Stage
The flowering stage of brinjal/eggplant is a significant phase in its growth cycle, beginning the reproductive phase. Flowers emerge 40-45 days after transplanting, usually in August-September, with anthesis occurring at about 6-8 a.m. This stage is crucial as it initiates the formation of fruits.
The plant typically self-pollinates, but insects can lead to cross-pollination. Thus, this stage requires proper care and attention, including appropriate irrigation and fertilization, to ensure maximum fruit set and yield. The flowers should also be protected from pests and diseases, and the surrounding area should be weed-free.
Factors that Affect Less Female Flowers in Brinjal/Egg Plant
- Imbalanced soil nutrients
- High temperatures above 35°C
- Low temperatures below 15°C
- Shortage of water or excessive watering
- High humidity levels above 60%
- Low light intensity or insufficient light
- Use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers
- Pests and diseases affecting the plant health
10 Simple Tips to Increase Female Flowers in Brinjal/Egg Plant
- Prepare the soil with organic matter and good drainage.
- Ensure the plants receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
- Maintain even moisture levels to avoid water stress.
- Keep temperature range between 20-30°C.
- Use fertilizers sparingly to avoid over-fertilization.
- Use balanced fertilizers with higher phosphorus content to promote flower production.
- Apply micronutrients such as boron and zinc.
- Regularly prune dead leaves, flowers, and branches.
- Use growth regulators like gibberellic acid to stimulate flower production.
- Provide support to prevent plant bending.
In case you missed it: How to Grow Eggplants/Brinjal in Greenhouse: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seed to Harvest
Conclusion
Increasing the number of female flowers in brinjal/eggplant can significantly boost the crop yield. Growers can improve flower production by ensuring proper soil preparation, adequate sunlight, and irrigation, as well as controlling temperature, avoiding over-fertilization, and using balanced fertilizers with micronutrients. Pruning the plants, using growth regulators, and providing support are effective ways to promote flower production.
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