Sementeira
Sown in a tray and transplanted to the final location about 8 weeks later.
An eggplant that surprises at first sight: ovoid, white fruits with the size and shape of an egg.
About the variety. White Egg is a small and visually striking variety, with white, creamy flesh and a delicate flavour, milder than dark eggplants. Plant of 60 to 80 cm.
Itinerário técnico
Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.
Sown in a tray and transplanted to the final location about 8 weeks later.
Prefers fertile soils, as it is a fairly demanding crop, as well as well-drained to avoid root rot. Soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be worked to allow proper development of the taproot.
Growth is optimal at daytime temperatures between 22 and 30°C and night temperatures above 18°C, as lower temperatures during this period lead to poor pollen tube development. In the week following transplanting, daytime and night temperatures should be around 24°C to promote rapid growth and plant rooting. Sites with good sun exposure are also well suited for cultivation.
It is a fairly demanding crop, so adequate base fertilization with compost should be carried out, and may be supplemented with some mineral fertilizer (phosphorus and/or potassium).
Drip irrigation is highly recommended as it helps control the onset of diseases, allows water to be supplied in a controlled manner, and leads to higher yields.
Mulching is an interesting option for the crop, preventing competition from weeds.
Mites, Colorado potato beetle and thrips are the main pests of this crop. Mite control should be carried out through biological control using predatory mites; if necessary, azadirachtin or sulphur powder may also be applied (if T< 28°C). Colorado potato beetle can be controlled by biological treatment with Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis, with azadirachtin sprays as an alternative. Thrips are controlled through the use of plants that attract anthocorid beneficial insects (marigolds or other composites) and through biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.
Powdery mildew and grey mould are two diseases of this crop. To control powdery mildew, wide plant spacing, moderate fertilisation without excess nitrogen and, if necessary, the application of wettable sulphur powder alone or mixed with lithothamne (1:1) are recommended, as this combination is less phytotoxic. To control grey mould, diseased plant debris should be removed, excessive vigour avoided, water on the plants minimised (suitable drip irrigation used) and bentonite clay applied regularly.
Eggplants can be stored at temperatures between 12 and 15°C and a relative humidity of 80%. It is not recommended to store them alongside ethylene-producing fruits, such as tomatoes.