Anti-falling eggplant
In order to prevent eggplants from falling over, growers typically use bamboo or wooden sticks to support the plants once they reach about 30 cm in height. Some farmers directly insert these supports into the soil, just a few centimeters away from the plant, and then tie the stems to them. However, while this method is common, it may not always be the most effective way of managing plant growth.
Recently, the author came across an interesting alternative method in Dongdanhe Village, Datian Town, Shouguang City, Shandong Province. There, Mr. Li's eggplants were not supported vertically, but instead stood on a slanted structure. Curious about this unique approach, the author approached Mr. Li, who was working in the greenhouse.
Mr. Li explained that he used to rely on vertical supports as well. But he noticed that when plants were kept upright, their tops grew more vigorously, leading to excessive elongation. Many farmers delayed planting time in response, which eventually caused the plants to become weak and prone to lodging when they reached a certain height.
To address this issue, Mr. Li developed a new technique. Instead of inserting supports straight up, he placed them at an angle. This helped prevent lodging while also controlling excessive growth. Here’s how he does it:
When the eggplant reaches around 30 cm, he places a bamboo pole on the southern side of the plant, about 10 cm away, and inserts it diagonally toward the north. The bamboo is approximately 40 cm long and angled at 60 degrees from the ground. The pole crosses the plant, and the stem is then tied to it. At the same time, the plant itself is positioned at a 60-degree angle with the ground. This gentle slope encourages the plant to grow in a more balanced way, reducing the risk of lodging and preventing the plant from becoming too tall and leggy. It also helps suppress apical dominance, making the plant more compact, sturdy, and resistant to diseases.
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