Brinjal Crop Research Articles

Monitoring Water Depth and Seepage Rates in Pitcher Irrigation for Sustainable Crop Water Management

Pitcher irrigation is an ancient yet effective method for delivering water directly to plant root zones, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of pitcher irrigation in conserving water and supporting brinjal crop growth. This study investigates the efficiency and dynamics of a pitcher irrigation system in supplying water to brinjal crops, utilizing nine porous clay pitchers buried near the plants. Water depth in the pitchers was monitored from March 1 to March 22, 2024, at three intervals daily. Initial water levels of 15 cm were recorded on March 1, followed by gradual declines in water depth over time, with some pots showing rapid depletion, particularly during peak daylight hours. Pot 4 exhibited the most significant water loss, likely due to increased soil absorption or higher crop water demand, while Pots 1 and 3 showed more consistent water retention. The study revealed significant variation in seepage rates, with higher water loss during the day, particularly in the afternoon, compared to slower overnight seepage. These findings emphasize the need for careful irrigation management, including tailored refill schedules, to ensure uniform water availability and prevent moisture deficits. The results demonstrate that pitcher irrigation can effectively sustain crop growth, but its efficiency depends on continuous monitoring and adjustments based on local conditions.

Spectral data driven machine learning classification models for real time leaf spot disease detection in brinjal crops

This study presents the development and evaluation of machine learning models for detecting leaf spot disease in brinjal crops using spectral sensor data. The spectral reflectance of diseased and healthy tissues was recorded across nine wavelength bands (F1: 415 nm, F2: 445 nm, F3: 480 nm, F4: 515 nm, F5: 555 nm, F6: 590 nm, F7: 630 nm, F8: 680 nm, and F9: NIR-750 nm). The data revealed distinct spectral signatures, particularly between F5 (555 nm) and F9 (NIR), where diseased tissues consistently showed lower reflectance compared to healthy tissues. Two machine learning algorithms, Decision Tree (DT) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), were employed to classify the spectral data. The DT model achieved a maximum testing accuracy of 88.2 %, with a Gini index and a depth of 4 as optimal hyperparameters. The confusion matrix indicated that the DT model correctly identified 883 diseased instances and 667 healthy cases, while misclassifying 213 healthy tissues as diseased and 25 diseased tissues as healthy. The SVM model, configured with a cost parameter of 10.0 and a tolerance of 0.01, outperformed the DT model, achieving a testing accuracy of 92.4 %. The SVM model correctly classified 99.3 % of diseased instances and 94.1 % of healthy cases. The results demonstrate the potential of spectral sensor data combined with ML algorithms for precise disease detection, facilitating targeted pesticide application, and reducing input costs. The high accuracy of the SVM model underscores its utility in agricultural disease management, enabling early intervention and enhancing crop health monitoring. Future research may explore integrating multiple sensors and advanced feature extraction methods to further improve the efficiency and accuracy of these systems.

Eco-friendly Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Among vegetables, brinjal or eggplant is an economically important vegetable crop and second major vegetable crop next to potato in India. This crop suffers from various diseases, among different fungal diseases of brinjal, Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata has currently become one of the most important diseases for all brinjal varieties. Loss due to the disease has been estimated up to 25-30 per cent. Therefore, present investigation was undertaken at Central Research Field of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj during the Kharif of 2023-2024, for the management of leaf spot using botanicals, bio-agent, cow urine and a fungicide (treated check) for their efficacy in vivo against Alternaria leaf spot of brinjal incited by Alternaria alternata. Effects of different botanicals, bio-agent and cow urine were evaluated on different growth, disease management and yield parameters of brinjal crop under field condition by foliar spray of botanicals, cow urine and a bio-agent, along with seedling treatment with Trichoderma viride at selected concentration. The effects of treatments on growth parameter were recorded i.e. maximum plant height at 30 DAT (22.78 cm), 60 DAT (37.16 cm), 90 DAT (53.87 cm) and maximum number of leaves at 30 DAT (10.83), 60 DAT (31.80), 90 DAT (47.33) and maximum number of branches at 30 DAT (4.23), 60 DAT (11.40), 90 DAT (13.83). Among the treatments, neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride was recorded significantly reducing disease intensity at 45 DAT (10.32%), 60 DAT (16.11%), 75 DAT (27.93%) of brinjal followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control. The maximum yield was found to be in neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (16.63 t/ha) followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride, and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control and the most economical treatment was Neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (1:2.62).

Efficacy of Certain Insecticides against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Gueenee) on Brinjal Crop Solanum melongena (L)

A field experiment was conducted at the Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif season 2023. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments replicated thrice along with untreated control plot. Eight treatments viz. Novaluron @ 10% EC 0.5ml/lit, Spinetoram 11.7% SC @0.4g/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @0.4g/lit, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC@0.5ml/lit, Flubendiamide 39.35% SC @0.5 ml/lit, Neem oil 2% @20ml/lit, Beauveria bassiana1x108 CFU @ 2.5g/lit and untreated control were evaluated against shoot and fruit borer. During the investigation, it was revealed that the lowest percent shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) infestation after 1st and 2nd spray was observed in the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC i.e. 2.32% and 2.16%, followedby Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (3.21 and 2.97), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (3.81 and (3.30), Novaluron 10% EC (4.62 and 4.05), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 5.39 and 4.903, Neem oil 2% 5.98 and 5.38 and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48. The treatment Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48 was found to be least effective among all the treatments against Leucinodes orbonalis. The plot treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (241.75 q/ha, 1:13.14) was found most effective with highest yield and cost benefit ratio among all the treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (190.61 q/ha, 1:10.34), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (150.58 q/ha,1:7.92), Novaluron 10% EC (124.49 q/ha, 1:6.38), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (104.34 q/ha, 1:4.34), Neem oil 2% @ (85.81 q/ha, 1:3.01) and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU @ (65.83 q/ha1:2.80) as compared to untreated control plot (59.06 q/ha, 1:2.68).

Performance of some botanical pesticides against brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis G.) on brinjal

The shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis G.) is one of the major insect pests of the brinjal crop. Presently, farmers use synthetic insecticides to control this pest, which can cause health and environmental problems. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the performance of various botanical pesticides (neem, eucalyptus, karanj, and mahogany oils at 1%) against L. orbonalis under field conditions during 2023, after the 1st and 2nd sprays at 1, 3, and 7 days post-application. The results showed that all botanical pesticides were effective in reducing the shoot and fruit damage percentages after the 1st and 2nd sprays at all intervals compared to the control, with neem oil being the most effective in reducing the shoot and fruit damage percentages of L. orbonalis. The lowest shoot and fruit damage percentages were observed after the 1st and 2nd sprays at the 7-day interval with neem oil: shoot damage percentages were 12.5% and 9.8%, and fruit damage percentages were 22.2% and 12.4%, respectively. Similarly, the highest yield was obtained (13,013 kg/ha) when the crop was treated with neem oil, followed by eucalyptus, karanj, and mahogany oils at 1% with yields of 11,307, 10,499, and 9,947 kg/ha, respectively, whereas the minimum yield of 5,603 kg/ha of fruits was obtained in the control. Therefore, based on the present results, all botanical pesticides are highly recommended, with Neem oil being the most effective against the shoot and fruit borer.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Chemical Applications for the Production of Brinjal Crop

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), commonly known as eggplant, is a crucial vegetable crop cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions. Chemical applications in brinjal cultivation, encompassing fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators, play a significant role in enhancing yield and quality. This comprehensive analysis reviews the latest advancements and methodologies in the chemical management of brinjal crops. It discusses the optimized use of synthetic and organic fertilizers for nutrient management, the strategic application of pesticides for pest and disease control, and the use of plant growth regulators to improve crop growth and productivity. Recent studies emphasize the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) practices to minimize chemical residues and environmental impact. In the Puducherry district, data was collected from five brinjal-growing villages out of sixty-two, utilizing a combination of closed-ended questionnaires for independent variables and open-ended questionnaires for dependent variables. In-person interviews were conducted to gather comprehensive data, which was then evaluated using a range of appropriate and standardized statistical tools. The study identified three dependent variables and fifteen independent factors, focusing on the evaluation of chemicals used in brinjal production, methods for handling these chemicals, and their effects on human health.

Studies on Crop Weather Calendar of Brinjal Crop in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

An investigation was carried out on studies of crop weather calendar on brinjal crop in Eastern Uttar Pradesh has been prepared with objectives to study climatic normal of past 21 years from 2000-21 at Department of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Climatic data for brinjal crop in Kharif season has been taken from 27th to 48th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). From the crop weather calendar of brinjal, it was revealed that low temperatures are lethal for brinjal seedlings, so temperature should not be less than 18 °C before the transplanting of the brinjal seedlings into the field. Rainfall during vegetative stage was 140-150 mm found congenial for the better yield of the plant. The growth of the crops is severely affected when temperature falls below 17 °C. It can be successfully grown as a rainy season and summer season crop. It was revealed that, Tmax 23.3-31.8 °C, Tmin 8.4-25.1 °C, rainfall of 0.5-10 mm during 31st to 45th SMW with RHm 90.9-95.6% and RHe 52.1-79.6 were found conducive conditions for the infestation of shoot/fruit borer. It was observed that Fusarium wilt of brinjal was significant during October (41st week) to December (52nd week), when Tmax 23.5- 33.0 °C, Tmin 12.1-26.7 °C, RHm 83.9-87.8%, RHe 48.1-71.5% and rainfall of 0-0.75 mm. It has been found that the severity of fusarium wilt increases with decrease in temperature and high relative humidity and very low rainfall.

First record of Apanteles hemara (N.) on Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée and biodiversity of Hymenoptera parasitoids on Brinjal.

The brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a very detrimental pest that causes significant economic losses to brinjal crop worldwide. Infested brinjal fruits were collected from vegetable fields located at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, India, during two consecutive seasons (2021-2022). The larvae of the pest were brought to the laboratory and reared under controlled conditions of 25 ± 0.5 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity, for the emergence of parasitoids. In addition, the survey of Hymenoptera parasitoids in brinjal was conducted utilizing a sweep net and yellow pan trap over the course of two seasons. The results reveal that five parasitoid species were emerged from L. orbonalis viz., Apanteles hemara Nixon, 1965, Bracon greeni Ashmead 1896 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Goryphus nursei (Cameron, 1907), Trathala flavoorbitalis (Cameron, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Spalangia gemina Boucek 1963 (Hymenoptera: Spalangiidae). Out of these, A. hemara and S. gemina were documented as new occurrences in Delhi. Additionally, A. hemara was recorded for the first time as a parasite on L. orbonalis. Trathala flavoorbitalis was observed during both seasons and exhibited higher parasitism reaching 15.55% and 18.46% in July and August 2022, respectively. However, the average parasitism (%) recorded by A. hemara, B. greeni, G. nursei, T. flavoorbitalis and S. gemina was 3.10%, 1.76%, 1.10%, 9.28% and 1.20% respectively. Furthermore, the findings showed a significant (p ≤ 0.01) strongly positive correlation between fruit infestation (%) by L. orbonalis and parasitism (%). The survey indicates the presence of a broad group (19 families and 60 species) of Hymenoptera parasitoids in the brinjal crop ecosystem in Delhi which could be valuable in biological control. In light of these results, this study revealed that A. hemara and other parasitoids identified in this study alongside T. flavoorbitalis would be ideal biocontrol agents within the integrated pest management (IPM) program of BFSB in Delhi.

Effects of two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) population density on yield loss and damage to brinjal crop

Effects of two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) population density on yield loss and damage to brinjal crop

Agro-advisory services for increasing production, profit under climate change scenario in old alluvial zone of West Bengal

Aim: To increase the net income of farmers by reducing losses caused by extreme weather events and reducing the cost of cultivation using weather advisory and to popular the Agro-advisory service at the block level. Methodology: Data was collected from the selected farmers by interview schedule, and the Weather forecast data was obtained from the Regional Meteorological Centre Kolkata, India Meteorological Department, Alipore biweekly i.e., every Tuesday and Friday. Results: The results showed that the farmers who followed the weather based advisory were able to reduce the cultivation cost like irrigation cost, fertilizer cost, plant protection chemicals etc., than non-users of advisory in Rice and Brinjal crops. Farmers saved Rs. 1940 and Rs. 2444 per ha for rice cultivation and saved Rs. 6685 and Rs. 6688 per ha for brinjal cultivation in a single season by following advisories. Interpretation: The studies showed that the application of advisory bulletin based on realized and forecasting of weather parameter is a useful tool for increasing the production and profit. The farming community who are utilizing the agro-advisory bulletin for agricultural practices, reduce the cost cultivation and increase the yield as well as profit. Key words: Agro-advisory services, Climate change, Economic benefit, Weather forcast

Developmental biology and impact on yield loss by two-spotted spider mite, (Tetranychus urticae) in brinjal crop

Developmental biology and impact on yield loss by two-spotted spider mite, (Tetranychus urticae) in brinjal crop

Brinjal Little Leaf Disease: An Emerging Threat to Brinjal Crop in India

Brinjal Little Leaf Disease: An Emerging Threat to Brinjal Crop in India

A Comprehensive Analysis of Chemical Applications for the Production of Brinjal Crop

A Comprehensive Analysis of Chemical Applications for the Production of Brinjal Crop

Pesticide use and residue management in brinjal crop Solanum melongena (Lin.)

Pesticide use and residue management in brinjal crop Solanum melongena (Lin.)

Enhancing Yield, Uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Brinjal Through Soil Test Crop Response Approach

ABSTRACT Fertilizer requirement for the crop should be based on yield response to the added fertilizer nutrient, nutrient requirements of a crop, nutrient supply from indigenous sources and the fate of added fertilizers to the soil in the short and long term. Thus, the soil test crop response (STCR) approach can be adopted for calculating fertilizer requirements by crops. The field experiments were conducted at the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, in three phases. Soil test data, yield and NPK uptake by brinjal crop were used for achieving four important basic parameters, viz. nutrient requirement, contribution of nutrients from fertilizers, soil and organic manure, to develop the targeted yield equation and these equations were validated in comparison with Low-Medium-High (LMH) approach and generally recommended dose (GRD). It was found that 1.11, 0.46, and 0.30 kg of N, P2O5, and K2O respectively were required for producing one quintal of brinjal fruit under integrated approach. The contribution of NPK from soil toward crop uptake was 26.07%, 5.94% and 36.89% respectively; from organic manure was 16.15%, 8.66% and 31.55% respectively and from fertilizers was 42.27, 11.73 and 170.84% respectively. The STCR integrated approach with FYM, at the target yields 35 and 30 t ha−1, enhanced the fruit yield to an extent of 12.90% and 9.94%, respectively, over GRD. It also exhibited higher NPK uptake and use efficiency and better profitability. Hence integrated STCR targeted yield approach could be sustainable nutrient management option(s) for improving the productivity of brinjal.

ANTI-FEEDANT ACTIVITIES OF PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINST INSECT PESTS AND ON THEIR NATURAL ENEMIES ON BRINJAL (SOLANUM MELONGENA L.).

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the commonly consumed vegetable in many countries including Pakistan. And attack by sucking and chewing insect pests likewise, Jassid, aphid, whitefly, shoot and fruit borers, cause significant losses in yield production. Therefore a research trail was conducted to evaluate effect of plant extracts against sucking and chewing insect pests and their associated natural enemies in brinjal crop under field conditions. For this four different plant extracts (Neem seed, Garlic, Eucalyptus and Tobacco) were used to evaluate their efficacy. Two sprays were applied at fifteen intervals and data was recorded before and after 24 hours and 72 hours after spray. In present results, we observed that all plant extracts significantly reduced insect pest population as compared with control groups, while among plant extracts the neem seed and garlic extract were observed more lethal to jassids, aphids and on white flies respectively, as compared to eucalyptus and tobacco extract. Similarly, a minimum damage % of fruit borer was also observed in neem seed and garlic extract as compared to tobacco and eucalyptus. However, no adverse effects were observed on natural enemies.

Bioefficacy of Some Botanical Extracts against Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer [Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee); Lepidoptera, Pyrallidae)

Plant-based biopesticides such as extracts of neem and eucalyptus are gaining increasing attention as potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their reduced toxicity to non-target species and the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.) as biopesticides against the brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB) (Leucinodes orbonalis), a major pest of brinjal (eggplant) crop. Experiments were conducted to determine the lethal concentration of both neem and eucalyptus extracts against BFSB larvae. The biopesticides were applied to brinjal fruit and their efficacy was evaluated by monitoring the mortality of BFSB larvae and pupae. The results showed that both neem and eucalyptus extracts were effective in controlling BFSB larvae, with the neem extract being slightly more toxic than the eucalyptus extract. A 5% concentration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of neem caused 82% and 64% mortality of BFSB 3rd instar larvae, while the same concentration of eucalyptus extracts caused 73% mortality with 60% mortality, respectively. BFSB 5th instar larvae showed a decreased mortality as compared to 3rd instars. It concludes that the use of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of neem and eucalyptus could help to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides to control brinjal fruit and shoot borer. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these biopesticides in controlling BFSB and protecting brinjal crops.

Thermal Indices Requirement of Brinjal Varieties (Solanum melongena L.) under Different Planting Windows

An experiment was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture Department of Agricultural Meteorology Farm, Centre for Advanced Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Pune during Kharif seasons of 2014 and 2015.The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications.The treatment comprised of three brinjal hybrids viz.,V1:Phule Arjun, V2: Krishna, V3: Panchganaga as main plot and four planting windows viz., P1: 31st MW (30 July-5 August), P2: 32ndMW (6-12August), P3:33rdMW (13-19 August) and P4: 34thMW (20-26 August) as sub plot treatments.
 Cumulative GDD, HTU and PTU at the end of each growth stages showed that numerically higher requirement was observed in hy.Phule Arjun over hy.Krishana and hy.Panchganaga hybrids during both year 2014 and 2015 experimentation period. Whereas, the lowest canopy temperature was found in hy.Phule Arjun (29.0 0C) than rest of the brinjal hybrids. Canopy reflected PAR and transmitted PAR was higher in (191.54 and 188.62 µ mol m-2s-1) Panchganaga hybrids among the brinjal hybrids. Heat unit requirement or GDD has been used for characterizing the thermal response in brinjal crop. GDD for entire crop growing period decreased with subsequent delay in planting. HTU and PTU were also decreased during later planting windows condition. GDD in different stages in that emergence (59.6 and 72.3), vegetative growth (481 and 478), 50% flowering (575 and 568), first harvesting (681 and 645), last harvesting (1178 and 1183) was observed in hybrid Phule Arjun during 2014 and 2015, respectively. Lower GDD was observed in hy.Panchaganaga during 2014 and 2015, respectively. The highest HTU observed in 31st MW planting windows in hybrids Phule Arjun (5376 and 9190.4).This was followed by hy.krishna and Panchganaga (5370 and 9086) during 2014 and 2015, respectively. Highest HTU was observed in 31st MW in hybrids Phule Arjun followed by hy.krishna and lower in panchganga.

Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Brinjal (Solanum melongena) Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler Through Botanicals (In vitro)

The present investigation entitled “Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Brinjal (Solanum melongena) caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler Through Botanicals” was carried out at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal during year 2021 – 22. Brinjal is a highly productive crop and usually finds its place as poor man’s crop. Fruits are an excellent source of vitamin A, especially those in the ‘B’ group. Brinjal crop suffers from several diseases caused by various plant pathogens. Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata (Keissler) is an imported disease of brinjal crop in India. The result obtained in the present research study maximum mycelium growth of pathogen was observed on Potato dextrose agar media (88.75 mm) at 7th day and among the botanicals, maximum inhibition was recorded in Garlic (51.58 mm) followed by Turmeric (51.03 mm) at 15% of concentration.

Biology and morphometric of shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) on brinjal crop under laboratory conditions

The study on the biology of shoot and fruit borer was carried out in the Research Laboratory of the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal, India, Kharif season during 2021-22. White, creamy eggs with an oval to elongated shape were placed singly in bunches. On food made from brinjal, the incubation period for the brinjal shoot and fruit borer ranged from 3-7 days, with a mean time of 4.4±1.26 days. The average larval time varied from 13-20 days with a mean duration of 16.8±2.41 days in the brinjal food portion under laboratory conditions. The larvae were white to dark pinkish throughout the instars to become fully grown. It took an average of 9-15 days for a pinkish to dark brown pupa to develop, and between 6 and 8 days for the pupa to mature into an adult. The adult moths were little with whitish wings, and they lived an average of 5.4±1.50 days for female and 2.95±0.98 for male adults, ranging from 4.0 to 5.5 days during the experiment. As a result, the entire life cycle was completed in a brinjal diet ranging from 31 to 39 days, with a mean time of 34.9±2.19 days. During the trial, the male-to-female ratio ranged from 1 to 2, with an average ratio of 1:2 in a lab setting.