This crop can produce fairly good yields in warm regions of New York, particularly during summers with higher than average temperatures. Eggplant is a moderately deep-rooted, indeterminate, shrubby or bushy plant, and many varieties are self-fertile.

Eggplant grows best between 75° and 85°F. Eggplant is very sensitive to frost and requires a warm, long, growing season. The use of plastic mulch often improves yields. Well-drained, deep, sandy loams are ideal for eggplant because it is a heavy feeder.

Set plants into the field after danger of frost is past and daily average temperatures are between 65° and 70°F. The usual planting dates in New York are May 20 to June 10.

Table 18.2.1 Recommended spacing.

Row (in feet)	In-row (in inches)
4-5	18-24

18.3 Fertility

Maintain a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. See Tables 18.3.1 and 18.3.2 below for the recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

18.4 Harvesting

Harvest when the fruit is firm, fully formed, glistening, and the seeds and pulp are white. When the fruit is past prime, it becomes dull, and the seeds turn brown. Cut with a sharp knife or shears. Frequent picking will help ensure higher yields. The skin is tender and easily bruised or punctured, so it should be handled with care.

Store at 50° to 54°F and 90 to 95 percent relative humidity. Young immature fruit may be susceptible to chilling injury at 50°F. Storage life is about one week, but older, mature fruit harvested during cooler weather can store for two weeks or more at 50°F.

Table 18.3.1 Recommended nutrients based on soil tests for transplants in bare ground. If using plastic mulch without fertigtion, broadcast and incorporate all fertilizer before laying plastic mulch.
N pounds/acre	P₂O₅ pounds/acre			K₂O pounds/acre			Comments
	Soil Phosphorus Level			Soil Potassium Level
	low	med.	high	low	med.	high
*130*	*150*	*100*	50	*150*	*100*	50	*Total recommended*

40	100	50	0	100	50	0	Broadcast and disk-in.
40	50	50	50	50	50	50	Apply in bands at planting or shortly after and cultivate.
50	0	0	0	0	0	0	Apply three weeks after planting.

Table 18.3.2 Recommended nutrients based on soil tests for transplants in plastic mulch, trickle irrigation and fertigation.
N pounds/acre	P₂O₅ pounds/acre			K₂O pounds/acre			Comments
	Soil Phosphorus Level			Soil Potassium Level
	low	med.	high	low	med.	high
*120*	*150*	*100*	60	*150*	*100*	60	*Total recommended*

40	90	40	0	90	40	0	Broadcast and disk-in.
20	20	20	20	20	20	20	Apply 1 week after transplanting and every3-4 weeks.

18.5 Disease Management

18.5.1 Fruit rot, primarily caused by Anthracnose, Colletotrichum coccodes, and Alternaria early blight, Alternaria solani and A. alternata

Time for concern: During fruit development

Key characteristics:

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Begin sprays as first fruit ripens and continue on a seven to ten day interval.
Resistant varieties, crop rotation, site selection seed selection/treatment, postharvest, sanitation			These are not currently viable management options
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
azoxystrobin
	Amistar 80 WDG	2-5 oz		0	4	2-4	Begin application of Amistar (Group 11) before disease develops.
copper compounds
	Champ F or OLF	1.3 pt		0	12/24 (see label)

Pest Management Guidelines A Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication	Cornell Guide for Pest Management of Vegetables
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