Melongena Research Articles

Yield and postharvest qualities of two genotypes of eggplant (Solanum melongena l.) applied with different levels of chicken dung

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the different levels of chicken dung on the yield, and postharvest qualities of two genotypes of eggplant. The pot experiment was laid-out in a split plot randomized complete block design with chicken dung levels as the main plot and eggplant genotypes (Casino &Morena) as subplot. The levels of chicken dung were divided as T1 (zero), T2 (200 g/plant), T3 (400 g/plant), T4 (600 g/plant), T5 (800 g/plant), T6 (1.0 kg/ plant, and T7 (2.0 kg/ plant). Casino genotype produced higher yield than Morena genotype under Visca agro-climatic condition. The application of 400 grams of chicken dung per plant (T3) showed the highest yield in both genotypes which were significantly different from the control (T1), T2, T6, and T7. This simply means that a cost-effective application of chicken dung at 5 tons per hectare is worth recommending for optimum eggplant production. Casino has a higher oxidation-reduction potential and ascorbic acid values but with lower electrical conductivity than Morena hybrid. This means that Morena contains higher amount of electrolytes with better storability for a longer period of time but with lesser vitamin C content than the Casino genotypes. Ascorbic acid content and electrical conductivity were enhanced by the application of chicken dung which declined beyond 800 grams per plant or at an application of 10 tons per hectare particularly with Casino hybrid for ascorbic acid and Morena hybrid for electrical conductivity. All these results would indicate the importance of organic fertilizer application to attain highest yield with best postharvest qualities of eggplant.

Ciclo reproductor e índices de condición usados en Melongena corona (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Melongena corona bispinosa was studied in Yucatan, Mexico (21°16' N, 89° 49' W) for a year. Males have reproductive peaks in February and December, and a post-copulation peak in June. Female peaks are in March and May, plus oviposition peaks in April and January. Males and females differ in the mean gonadosomic index (F= 13.79, p<0.05) but not in the dry tissue/shell weight (F= 0.0902, p<0.05), dry tissue and total weight (F= 0.2466, p<0.05) and dry tissue weighl/internal shell volume (F= 1.0565, p<0.05).

Concentration of some heavy metals (Cd, Co, Fe Hg) in soil and edible vegetables in Ogoja urban area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The concentration of heavy metals (Cd,Co,Fe & Hg) in soil and some edible vegetables was determined during the rainy and dry seasons of the year, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) after the samples were digested. Forty samples of the eight edible vegetables and forty soil samples, where they were planted, were also collected at the root level of the vegetables. The eight most common edible vegetables considered were Telfairia occidentalis , Amaranthus spp, Corchorus olitorius , Ocimum grattissimum (scent leaf), Solanum melongena (yellow garden egg leaf), Talinum triangulare , Murraya koenigi and Vernonia amygdalina . The result of the analysis revealed that Co and Hg were stringed variables as they were not detected in the soil or vegetables in both seasons of the year. Cd ranged from 0.005-0.043 mgkg -1 in the soil and 0.005-0.042 mgkg -1 for rainy and dry season respectively while Fe ranged from (0.015-0.051) mgkg -1 and (0.019-0.050) mgkg -1 for rainy and dry season respectively. The mean concentration of Cd accumulated by the vegetable ranged from 0.005-0.010 mgkg -1 in both seasons, while that of Fe ranged from (0.013-0.034) mgkg -1 and (0.009-0.033) mgkg -1 for rainy and dry seasons respectively. From the data, it shows that Fe was more in the soil than Cd, and it was also accumulated by the vegetables more than Cd. The metal’s concentration in the vegetables is still low and within the permissible limits of FAO/WHO. The amount of metal accumulated is directly proportional to that in the soil. There is no significant difference between the results of the dry and rainy season. There is need to maintain this low level of heavy metals in the soil and vegetables through adequate awareness on the proper disposal of waste and environmental monitoring/evaluation by relevant agencies of the state. Keywords: Heavy Metals, Concentration, Soil, Edible Vegetables

Comparative evaluation of mineral compositions of green leafy vegetables consumed in South Eastern Nigeria

Ten green leafy vegetables commonly consumed in South East, Nigeria were analysed for mineral composition. The presence of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr and Mn were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Ca and Mg were analysed by the Versenate EDTA complexometric method, K and Na were analysed by Flame Photometery, total nitrogen was analysed by semi-micro Kjeldahl distillation and P was analysed by the Vanado Molybdate yellow. The vegetables analysed were Telfaria occidentalis (ugu), Gnetum Africana (ukazi), Pterocarpus mildbreadii (oha/ora), Amaranthus viridis (inine), Curcubita maxima (ugboghoro), Solanum melongena (anara), Vernonia amygdalina (onugbu), Ocimum gratissimum (nchuanwu), Piper guineense (uziza), Gongronema laifolium (utazi), and Talinum triangulare (water leaf). Each of the vegetables contained mineral constituents which were different when compared with other vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of macro/micro nutrients. Key words: Minerals, macro nutrients, micro nutrients, leafy vegetables, South East Nigeria.

ASSOCIATION OF CANDIDATUS LIBERIBACTER SOLANACEARUM WITH THE DECLINE OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.)

Among the problems affecting the tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are those induced by pests and diseases that have caused a reduction in the cultivated area. Since 1998, the insect Bactericera cockerelli has caused phytosanitary problems in many solanaceous crops, such as tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), potato (Solanum tuberosum), eggplant (S. melongena), chilli (Capsicun annum) and tomato (S. lycopersicum). The insect is present in all tomato-producing areas of Mexico. In recent years in the United States, a new disease known as "Tomato decline" has been detected in tomato; the symptoms include chlorosis of apical shoots, lanceolate leaflets with epinasty and margins with purple coloration, necrosis and abortion of flowers, mature leaves brittle and rolled up, reduced internodes and reduced growth. In Mexico, a similar disease is present in tomatoes and it has been postulated that B. cockerelli is the vector of a phytoplasma inducing such symptoms. Some evidence suggests that the decline could be induced by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if the bacterium is associated with the decline of tomato. The positive detection of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum by qPCR in grafted tomato plants, or those exposed to B. cockerelli carrying the bacterium and its presence in the phloem of infected plants, confirmed that the bacterium is associated with this disease.

‘BATEM FILIZI’ hibrit patlıcan çeşidinin geliştirilmesi ve verim performansının belirlenmesi

Patlican Turkiye’de uretilen onemli sebze turlerinden birisidir. Buyumesi ve gelismesi sirasinda dusuk sicaklik gibi abiyotik stres faktorlerinden oldukca etkilenir. Sunulan calismada, patlicanda olumsuz cevre kosullari altinda meyve tutumu ve kalitesi yuksek yeni hibrit cesitlerin gelistirilmesi amaclanmistir. Pedigri islah metodu kullanilarak Bati Akdeniz Tarimsal Arastirma Enstitusu patlican gen havuzundan 39 adet hat gelistirilmistir. Bu hatlar morfolojik olarak karakterize edilmis ve aralarindaki filogenetik iliski degerlendirilmistir. F1 hibrit elde etmek icin secilen 7 hat arasinda melezlemeler yapilmistir. Bu melezlemelerden elde edilen 13 adet hibritin heterozis ve heterobelitiosis oranlari incelenmistir. P350 hattinin da ebeveyn olarak yer aldigi F1 hibritler yuksek heterozis oranlarina sahip olmasina ragmen, bu hibritler pazar taleplerine uygun bulunmamistir. Ana ebeveyn olarak iyi bir performans gosteren oval meyveli P350 ile uzun meyveli P599 melezlenmistir. Sonuc olarak, elde edilen yuksek verimli, serada yetistirilmeye uygun adaptasyon kabiliyeti yuksek bu hibrit BATEM FILIZI olarak tescile alinmistir. Bu calismada gelistirilen hibrit ozellikle tek urun doneminde ortualti yetistiriciliginde kullanilabilir.

Is it Possible to Combine High Content in Phenolics with Low Browning in Fruits and Vegetables? A case in Eggplant

Demand among consumers for fruits and vegetables with improved contents in bioactive compounds is increasing. In particular, a lot of attention is being paid to phenolic compounds, as they have been reported to present many beneficial effects for human health. However, oxidation of phenolic compounds present in the tissues of fruits and vegetables by polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) can result in browning, which affects negatively the quality of the produce. Eggplant ( Solanum melongena ) presents a high content in phenolics, in particular chlorogenic acid (CGA), which confers nutraceutical properties to this crop. In order to obtain information relevant for the development of varieties with high content in CGA and low browning, we have studied the diversity for CGA, PPO activity, and fruit flesh browning and their relationships in a collection of 18 Spanish accessions of eggplant. Also, using an interspecific mapping population between S. melongena and S. incanum we have mapped the genes involved in the synthesis pathway of CGA as well as the eggplant PPO genes. The results confirmed that eggplant presents high levels of CGA, and that a wide diversity exists for the three traits studied. Low levels of correlation have been found between CGA and PPO activity on one side and browning on the other, indicate that PPO is not a limiting factor in browning in the germplasm collection studied. The six genes of the pathway for the synthesis of CGA from phenylalanine have been mapped to five different linkage groups. Only two of the genes are linked indicating that selection of materials with the alleles favourable of different parents will be easily achieved. However, the five PPO genes mapped (PPO1 to PPO5) cluster together in the same linkage group, which will difficult obtaining recombinants. Mapping of these genes is of interest for marker assisted selection for high content in CGA and reduced browning. Overall, the results indicate that selection of eggplant varieties with high content in CGA and low browning is feasible. The information obtained is also useful for the genetic improvement of other fruits and vegetables in order to develop new cultivars with increased added value resulting from high content in phenolics and low browning.

Out breeding for yield and horticultural attributes in indigenous eggplant germplasm

Heterotic effects and genetic components of variation for qualitative and quantitative characters were estimated in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Forty hybrids generated by crossing four testers (males) with ten lines (females) were studied along with parents for studying heterosis and gene action for calyx length, fruit pedicel length, shoot borer infestation, fruit borer infestation, little leaf incidence, ascorbic acid content, total phenols content, number of fruit per plant and fruit yield per plant during rainy season of 2010-2011. The crosses obtained by L × T method possessed variation in terms of growth, yield and quality traits. Mean fruit yield per plant ranged from 2.85 to 1.04 kg. Among the 40 hybrids, the ones obtained from the cross 'Alagarkovil Local' × 'Annamalai' (L4 × T1), 'Palamedu Local' × 'Punjab Sadabahar' (L5 × T3), 'Palamedu Local' × 'EP 65' (L5 × T4) and 'Keerikai Local' × 'KKM 1' (L7 × T2) were suitable for heterosis breeding. Average performance of parents indicated that lines 'Alavayal local' (L1), 'Sedapatty local' (Green) (L2) and the tester 'Annamalai' (T1) were good parents for further breeding to exploit high yield and low pest and disease incidences. Performance of these hybrids needs to be further evaluated in multiple locations or on farm trial prior to commercial use. Key words: Hybrid vigour, brinjal germplasm, selection, yield attributes.

EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON DRY SEEDS OF SOLANUM MELONGENA L.: OBSERVATIONS ON THE M1 GENERATION

Effects of gamma radiation (dose range: 5–40 krad) on germination, survival, growth performance, injury, pollen sterility and yield were studied on the first generation plants (M1) of cultivars KT3 and BG of Solanum melongena. Both varieties followed almost similar trends of radio response though the magnitude of effects produced by radiation at any dose level differed in the cultivars. Stimulation of germination was noted in KT3 up to 15 krad and an increase in yield in BG up to 20 krad. In spite of approximately the same LD50 values, while 40 krad caused 100% lethality in KT3 the same resulted in 73% lethality in BG.

A comparative study on ripe and unripe eggplant (Solanum melongena) as dietary antioxidant sources

Varieties of eggplants are consumed in the diets around the world and have been reported to possess antioxidant potentials. However, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of ripening on the antioxidant properties of eggplant. In vitro chemical measures of antioxidant activity employed are DPPH radical scavenging, reducing properties, iron chelation, prevention of both deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation by the seed and flesh of both ripe and unripe eggplant. In addition, the phenol and flavonoid contents of both the ripe and unripe eggplant were also evaluated. The results indicate that ripening increases the radical scavenging ability and reducing properties of the flesh, whereas the iron chelating ability of the flesh was unaltered. However, both flesh and seed of ripe and unripe eggplant exerted similar inhibitory effect on the Fe2+ and H2O2-induced deoxyribose degradation and hepatic lipid peroxidation induced by both Fe2+ and sodium nitroprusside. Hence, we concluded that when consumed raw, both ripe and unripe eggplant can be considered as potential antioxidant sources. Key words: Eggplant (Solanum melongena), antioxidant property, oxidative stress.

Pharmacological activities of Solanum melongena Linn. (Brinjal plant)

Solanum melongena Linn. is a herbaceous plant, with coarsely lobed leaves, white to purple flowers, fruit is berry and are grown mainly for food and medicinal purposes. The plant contains flavonoids, tropane, glycoalkaloids, arginine, lanosterol, gramisterol, aspartic acid as important constituents. The plant is reported to have analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, antiasthmatic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, antiplatelet, intraocular pressure reducing, CNS depressant and anaphylactic reaction inhibitory activities. Traditional herbal medicine existed before the application of modern scientific method to health care and even today majority of the world population depends on herbal health care practices. This review gives an overview mainly on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of Solanum melongena. Key words: Brinjal, medicinal uses, pharmacological activity, phytochemistry, Solanum melongena

Cytogenetical and Molecular Characterization of &lt;i&gt;S. violaceum&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;S. sisymbrifolium&lt;/i&gt; and a Putative Hybrid between ♀ &lt;i&gt;S. violaceum&lt;/i&gt; and ♂ &lt;i&gt;S. melongena&lt;/i&gt;

Cytogenetical and Molecular Characterization of &lt;i&gt;S. violaceum&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;S. sisymbrifolium&lt;/i&gt; and a Putative Hybrid between ♀ &lt;i&gt;S. violaceum&lt;/i&gt; and ♂ &lt;i&gt;S. melongena&lt;/i&gt;

FIRST REPORT OF TOMATO RINGSPOT VIRUS ON EGGPLANT IN IRAN

In 2010 and 2011 eggplants with virus-like symptoms includ- ing leaf distortion, mosaic and stunting were observed in four fields in the province of Tehran (Iran). A total of 104 sympto- matic leaf samples were collected and analyzed by DAS-ELISA and dot-blot assay (DIBA) for the presence of Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) using specific polyclonal antibodies (Agdia, USA). Results showed the presence of ToRSV in 23% of the samples tested while ArMV, CMV and ToMV were not detected. ToRSV isolates were mechanically in- oculated on the leaves of Gomphrena globosa and Chenopodium quinoa, two local lesions hosts, and after two cycles of single local lesion isolation, they were transferred to Cucumis sativus, Chenopodium amaranticolor, Lycopersicon esculentum and Solanum melongena. Inoculations resulted in systemic mosaic and mottle in C. sativus; necrotic local lesions in Chenopodium ama- ranticolor; leaf distortion and stunting in L. esculentum; mosaic, mottle and stunting in S. melongena. The presence of ToRSV was confirmed in inoculated plants by ELISA and RT-PCR using total RNA from symptomatic leaf tissues as template and specific primers designed on the sequence of the coat protein gene (Samuitiene et al., 2003). The ToRSV specific RT-PCR fragment 499 bp in size was amplified from symptomatic eggplants and in- dicator plants. Although ToRSV was previously reported from tomato in Iran (Safaeizadeh and Saidi, 2011), this is the first record of this virus infecting eggplant in the country.

First report of Tomato mosaic virus in eggplant in Iran.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a very popular vegetable in Iran. Between June 2009 and August 2010, symptoms of foliar mosaic, interveinal necrosis, and fruit discoloration were observed in eggplant fields in the Gorgan district of Golestan province (northern Iran). These symptoms resembled those observed by Sadeghi et al. (2008) in eggplants from southern, northern and central Iranian regions. Twenty leaf samples collected from symptomatic eggplants were tested for the presence of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) by DASELISA, using commercial kits (Agdia, USA). ToMV was detected in 55% of the samples but no positive reactions were obtained for ArMV, CMV and TMV. Total RNA extracted from all samples was analysed by RT-PCR using a pair of primers flanking the ToMV coat protein gene (Letscher et al., 2002). The expected 750 bp fragment was amplified from all symptomatic samples collected from three fields in Karaj district, but not from negative controls (healthy plants and water). RT-PCR products were purified and sequenced. BLAST analysis of ToMV sequence (GenBank accession No. HQ593624) showed 98% nucleotide identity with reference sequences (AJ429083, AJ429086, AF012917, AF378152, AF067233, AF067231) from the NCBI database. Mechanical inoculations from symptomatic S. melongena plants to N. tabacum cv. Samsun NN elicited chlorotic local lesions on the leaves and a systemic mosaic in eggplants that resembled the symptom shown by field-infected plants. The presence of ToMV in the herbaceous plants was confirmed by ELISA and RT-PCR. ToMV has previously been reported from Iran by Ahoonmanesh et al. (1992), but this is its first identification in eggplant in the country.

Characterization of physicochemical parameters and the effect on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m of a Solanum melongena commercial extract

This investigation evaluated physicochemical parameters and the effect on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m of a Solanum melongena aqueous extract. A commercial S. melongena was used to prepare an aqueous extract and visible absorbance spectrum, electric conductivity and refractive index were determined. Blood samples fromWistar rats were incubated with S. melongena extract or with 0.9% NaCl solution as control. After, stannous chloride as reducing agent and technetium-99m as sodium pertechnetate were added. Plasma and blood cells samples were separated. Samples of plasma and blood cells were also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and soluble and insoluble fractions were separated. The radioactivity in each fraction was counted and the percentage of radioactivity incorporated was calculated. Data showed an absorbance peak at 500 nm and electric conductivity and refractive index were higher at the highest extract concentrations. S. melongena extract did not interfere on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99 m. The determination of these physicochemical parameters would contribute to characterize a S. melongena aqueous extract. Moreover, as the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m depends on the presence of reducing agent, the absence of effect of this extract in this radiolabeling process could be associated with its redox properties. Key words: Solanum melongena, eggplant, labeling, technetium-99 m, physicochemical parameters.

Parasitic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Sold at Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

The safety of fruits and vegetables sold in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria for consumption was assessed with respect to their contamination by Ova and Cysts of parasites. Out of 320 samples of seven (7) varieties of vegetables and fruits examined from three different markets in Kaduna metropolis, 45 (14.00%) were positive and their percentage of occurrence were: Hookworm (32.00%), Ascaris lumbricoides (24.00%), Entamoeba coli (18.00%) E. histolytica, (10.00%), Balantidium coli (6.00%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.00%), Giardia lamblia (4.00%), and Trichuris (2.00%). The most infected vegetable was Lactuca sativa (lettuce) (30.00%), while Solanum melongena (Garden egg) had the least percentage contamination (4.00%). The public health importance of these findings and the need to promote health education on sanitation and eating habits were discussed as part of measures to control the increasing outbreak of gastro enteritis in Nigeria, through washing of all vegetables prior to consumption. Keywords: Cyst, Fruits, Ova, Parasitic Contamination; Vegetables Nigerian Journal of Parasitology , Vol. 32 [2] September 2011, pp. 309-315

The host range of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum in the family solanaceae

A study was carried out to determine the host range of two fungal organisms, Fusarium oxysporum, the cause of vegetable root rots and Aspergillus niger, the black mold organism, among the members of the family Solanaceae. The test crops were tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), pepper (Capsicum annuum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), egg plant (Solanum melongena) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Artificial inoculation of the test plants with spore and mycelial suspension of F. oxysporum and culture paste of A. niger showed that rot symptoms were produced in pepper, tomato, egg plant and tobacco, while mold occurred in eggplant, tobacco, tomato and potato. Root rot symptoms caused massive destruction of the root system in affected plants causing wilting and eventual death of inoculated plants. The severity of both rot and mold symptoms differed among the test plants. Keywords : Root rot, mold, fungal organisms, solanaceae, aspergillus, host range

The inhibitive effect of Solanum melongena L. leaf extract on the corrosion of aluminium in tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid

The effect of Solanum melongena L. leaf extract on the corrosion of aluminium in 0.5 M H2SO4 was investigated by using the gravimetric technique. It was shown that the presence of S. melongena L. leaf extract inhibited the corrosion of aluminium in the test solutions and that the inhibition efficiency depended on the concentration of the plant extract as well as on the time of exposure of the aluminium samples in 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions containing the extract. The experimental data complied to a modified form of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the value and sign of the Gibb’s free energy of adsorption obtained suggested that inhibitor molecules have been spontaneously adsorbed onto the aluminium surface through a physical adsorption mechanism. Key words: Corrosion rate, corrosion inhibition, aluminium, Solanum melongen L., adsorption mechanism, free energy of adsorption.

Soil amendment with halophytes induces physiological changes and reduces root-knot nematode infection in eggplant and okra

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood is a soil-borne plant pathogen of roots. Nematode infection results in altered plant growth and physicochemical processes due to gall formation. Many plants contain unique biochemicals that have biocidal properties and offer a potential novel approach to suppress the nematode populations in soil and improve growth of crop plants. In the present study effect of some indigenous halophytic plant species ( Tamarix indica Willd , Suaeda fruticosa Forssk and Salsola imbricata (Schultz) Dandy) were tested against M. javanica . Tested halophytes significantly ( P< 0.001) reduced egg hatching and caused mortality of second stage juveniles (J 2 ) in vitro . These halophytes when incorporated in soil (0.3, 0.5 and 1% w/w) markedly increased growth of eggplant ( Solanum melongena L. cv. Black beauty) and okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench. cv. Arka anamika) and provided control of root-knot infection at higher doses (0.5 and 1%). Amended eggplants and okra showed significant ( P< 0.001) increase in chlorophylls and decrease in chlorophyll a/b ratio. Protein concentration in leaves of both the plants were increased with 1% amendment of S. fruticosa and S. imbricata . While nucleic acid concentrations were varied with different treatments.

Quality of Eggplant Fruits in Relation to Growing Medium Used in Greenhouse Cultivation and to a Cultivar

The objective of this study was to examine sensory quality and physical traits of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruits in relation to growing medium used in greenhouse cultivation. Eggplants were grown in a greenhouse with controlled climate and drip fertilizing system, in the three different mediums: coconut fiber, wood fiber (environment friendly mediums) and rockwool (standard horticultural medium). Cultivars used in the experiment were: Scorpio, Oscar, Tango and DRA 2086. Fruits were harvested in June, at optimal maturity. Sensory quality of roasted fruits was analyzed in the panel of 12 experts using the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The set of 19 descriptors of quality plus overall quality were evaluated. Fruit colour was measured with HunterLab colorimeter, using CIE L*a*b* system. Fruit firmness was measured with HPE II durometer, and puncture load with a penetrometer. Results showed that growing mediums influenced some sensory traits, but genotype showed stronger influence on the quality of fruits. Physical traits of fruits were low related to growing mediums, but more to genotype. All the three growing mediums showed their suitability for eggplant cultivation in respect of quality of the fruits.