Pests and Diseases in Eggplant
By Nitai Persaud
Location: Orange Grove Estate
1.) Name of Pest:
Flea beetles (Epitrix fuscula, Epitrix hirtipennis)
Name
of Crop: Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Location:
Orange Grove
Field
Symptoms Assisted in Diagnosis:
Small holes were
seen on leaves resembling that of shot holes. There is also damage caused to
the fruit.
Image Showing Shot Holes Caused by Flea Beetle
Management Practices
Before the appearance of the flea beetles floating row covers can be used to prevent them. This would act as a physical barrier which would protect seeds and young plants. This would give them an advantage over the beetles as the mature plants are less susceptible to being damaged. Trap crops can also be used such as cruciferous plants. This is used by applying as a mulch which will prevent the Beetle from coming up to the surface. Diamotecoeus earth and Neem oil are organic practices that can be used. Insecticides which has spinosad, bifenthrin, cabaryl and permethrin can also be used.
2.) Name of Pest:
Phomopsis fruit rot (Phomopsis vexans)
Name
of Crop: Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Location:
Orange Grove
Field
Symptoms Assisted in Diagnosis:
Sucken area on
fruit and black velvety texture at the stem end of fruit.
Management
Practices:
This can be
managed by crop rotation and application of fungicides.
3.) Name of Pest:
Aphids (Peach aphid, Potato aphid) Myzus
persicae,
Name
of Crop: Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Location:
Orange Grove
Field Symptoms assisted in diagnosis.
Small insect found on the leaves that has a green colour. Necrotic spots were also seen on the leaves.
Image
Showing Necrotic Spot Caused by Aphids
Management Practices
Pruning can be done if the aphid population is small. The transplants should also be checked for aphids before planting. If there are tolerant varieties available then it should be used. Silver coloured plastic is a reflective mulch which can be used to deter aphids. This would prevent them from feeding on the plants. A strong jet of water can be used to knock the aphids from the leaves. If the infestation is high then insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used.
4.) Name of Pest: Cercospora leaf spot
Location:
Orange Grove
Name
of Crop: Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Field Symptoms assisted in diagnosis
Oval chlorotic spots on leaves with dark brown center.
Management Practices
Plants should be irrigated in the morning as this would allow for the plants to dry during the day. Irrigate the base rather than the leaves is the best practice. The humidity in the plant canopy should be decreased by using adequate plant spacing. Fungicides can also be used to protect the plants from getting the disease.
5.) Name of Pest: Stink Bug
Name
of Crop: Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Location:
Orange Grove
Field Symptoms assisted in diagnosis
Insect has a shield shape with a brown colour with red markings. Eggs were also seen. Damage was done to the fruit and leaves.
Image
Showing Stink Bug Eggs
Image Showing Damage to Leaves Caused by Stink Bug
Image
Showing Damage to Fruits Caused by Stink Bug
Management Practices
Weeds should be removed as they encourage stink bugs. Control methods which are organic are natural enimies, kaolin clay and insecticidal soaps. Chemical treatments can be used also.
References
“Eggplant.” Eggplant | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation. Accessed April 7, 2021. https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/eggplant/infos.
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