Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
- The fruits become ready for first picking in about 60-160 days after transplanting depending on the variety.
- Varieties with elongated fruits take more time to ripen. Harvesting at correct maturity is important, as over mature brinjal fruits turn pithy and bitter.
- Harvest the fruits when they attain good size and become greenish yellow or bronze in colour and skin is glossy, but before seeds begin to enlarge significantly and mature.
- Pressing the thumb against the side of the fruit can indicate the maturity of the fruit. If the pressed portion springs back to its original shape, the fruit is too immature.
- the fruits are harvested at an interval of 8-10 days. Regular harvesting also encourage continued fruit set.
- In some varieties, a second phase of harvesting is obtained 20-25 days after the first spell, if adequate nutrition and irrigation are provided.
- The crop can be removed after 110 days if the 2nd flush is not desired, otherwise it can be retained for 150-160 days. Depending on variety and season the average yield of brinjal varies from 20-30 t/ha.
- Careful harvesting and handling practices should be followed to avoid bruising and compression of brinjal fruits. The harvested fruits should be pre cooled immediately to reduce water loss. For this the fruits are washed and cooled by dumping in a water bath prior to packing. Brinjal has a very short shelf life, usually fewer than 14 days.
