By Umar Nsubuga
Eggplant is a vegetable which can double as an ornamental plant in the compound.
Eriasa Kyeyune, a vegetable farmer in Gombe, Wakiso district says there are two types of hybrids, the janak F1 and the Runako F1.
He says the janak F1 produces a dark purple fruit. It matures early and its fruits weigh up to 500gms. The variety is tolerant to the bacterial wilt.
Runako F1 has wide adaptability. It is tolerant to the bacterial wilt and has a long harvest period. Its fruits are purple and cylindrical, weighing between 140 and 200 grammes.
According to Kyeyune, the seed rate per hectare is 300 grammes for transplanting and between 750 and 1000 grammes per hectare for direct sowing.
The spacing should be 50cmx75cm between rows. After planting, a farmer is required to water the base of each plant. The frequency of irrigation depends on the type and season.
Very wet soil increases the spread of diseases. Eggplant is a heavy feeder and for higher yields, fertilisers and manure should be applied in large amounts.
For intensive production, a farmer may need 40 tonnes of farmyard manure per hectare, which should be applied before transplanting.
Weeding is required, particularly in young crops. Avoid planting eggplants after either tomatoes or peppers.
