Organic Eggplant (Solanum Melongena) Cultivation Program with Ecoganic Products

Introduction: Eggplant as a Strategic Horticultural Crop

La berenjena orgánica (Solanum melongena) es una hortaliza solanácea de alto valor nutricional y comercial, cultivada principalmente en regiones de clima cálido o templado-cálido como España (Almería), México (Sinaloa), Argentina (Tucumán) y Brasil (Minas Gerais, São Paulo). Su ciclo prolongado, la exigencia en fertilización y su susceptibilidad a plagas como ácaros, trips y mosca blanca hacen necesario un manejo técnico intensivo, especialmente en sistemas ecológicos y sustentables.

Faced with an international market that demands fruits and vegetables without residues, the use of certified organic fertilizers such as those from Ecoganic is key to guaranteeing yield, quality, and compliance with regulations such as Regulation (EU) 848/2018 and the US NOP.

Physiology and Agronomic Management of Eggplant

• Crop cycle: 120–150 days.
• Optimal temperatures: 22–28 °C.
• Demanding in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Needs calcium for fruit firmness and boron for setting.
• Prone to heat stress and flower drop.
• Ideal for intensive production under cover (greenhouse or low tunnel).

Main Problems in Organic Eggplant Cultivation

Cultivation Program by Phases

Phase 1: Nursery and Transplant (Day 0–20)

Phase 2: Vegetative Development (Day 20–45)

Phase 3: Flowering and Setting (Day 45–75)

Phase 4: Fruit Fattening (Day 75–130)

Phase 5: Post-harvest and Regeneration (Day 130 Onwards)

Practical Tips for Organic Eggplant Cultivation

• Avoid waterlogging and soil compaction.
• Use biodegradable mulch or plant cover.
• Perform weekly pest monitoring.
• Do low pruning of leaves and aeration of the foliage.
• Alternate biostimulants with nutritional applications.
• Ensure good pollination in a protected environment (open tunnels during the day).

Expected Results with the Ecoganic Program