Eggplant is a traditional horticultural crop in the Colombian Caribbean. A descriptive and quantitative study was conducted to characterize its growth dynamics, biomass accumulation, and yield. The study used the Early Long Purple genotype, planted at 1.50 m between rows and 80 cm between plants, and included 960 replications over an area of 1,152 m². The objective was to characterize and quantify growth variables, dry matter accumulation, and yield in order to describe growth dynamics and identify key stages for agronomic management of the crop. The variables evaluated from transplanting until 135 days later included: plant height, main stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, total dry matter per plant, and yield. The measurements obtained were fitted to a logistic model using the PROC NLIN procedure of SAS software (Statistical Analysis System). Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, maximum value, and minimum value, were obtained. Coefficients of determination greater than 90% were found, with sigmoidal growth patterns. The maximum values observed were: 68.33 ± 0.81 cm for plant height, 10.85 ± 0.49 mm for stem diameter, 79.27 ± 1.13 leaves per plant, 3,392.10 ± 0.78 cm² of leaf area, 46.68 ± 1.25 g of total dry matter per plant, and a yield of 63.64 ± 0.05 t·ha⁻¹. In conclusion, the greatest vegetative growth occurred between 30 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT). Therefore, this period represents an optimal window for implementing agronomic management practices aimed at maximizing dry matter accumulation and promoting balanced crop growth and development.
Referências
Abbas, F., Al-Naemi, S., & Al-Otoom, A. (2025). Effects of controlled environment agriculture and nutrient sources on the production of eggplants (Solanum melongena var. esculenta L.). HortScience, 60(6), 970–980. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18550-25
Abney, T. D., & Russo, V. M. (1997). Factors affecting plant height and yield of eggplant. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 10(4), 37–48. https://doi.org/10.1300/J064v10n04_05
Abrham, Y., & Shumbulo, A. (2024). Growth, yield and quality response of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to blended NPSB fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing in Boloso Bombe district, Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia. Heliyon, 10(15), e35671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35671
Adarraga Mejía, J. E., Padilla González, F., & Ariza Molina, F. M. (2022). Trazabilidad del proceso productivo de cultivos de berenjena en el departamento de Atlántico. Documentos de Trabajo ECACEN, 1, 91–110.
Aminifard, M. H., Aroiee, H., Fatemi, H., Ameri, A., & Karimpour, S. (2010). Responses of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to different rates of nitrogen under field conditions. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 11(4), 453-458. https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/11.4.863
Barraza, F. V. (2022). Saberes y matices: campesinos asociados al cultivo de berenjena en el caribe colombiano. Atarraya Cultural, 4(1), 50-63.
Bello, A. S., Huda, S., Alsanfan, M., Abu-Dieyeh, M. H., Chen, Z.-H., & Ahmed, T. (2024). Enhancing eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) yield and water use efficiency through optimized irrigation and nitrogen practices in open field conditions. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 18, 101257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101527
Cardoso, M. O., Pereira, W. E., Oliveira, A. P., & Souza, A. P. (2008). Eggplant growth as affected by bovine manure and magnesium thermophosphate rates. Scientia Agricola, 65(1), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162008000100011
Caruso, G., Pokluda, R., Sękara, A., Kalisz, A., Jezdinský, A., Kopta, T., & Grabowska, A. (2017). Agricultural practices, biology and quality of eggplant cultivated in Central Europe. A review. Horticultural Science, 44(4), 201-212. https://doi.org/10.17221/36/2016-HORTSCI
Cemek, B., Demir, Y., & Uzun, S. (2005). Effects of greenhouse covers on growth and yield of aubergine. European Journal of Horticultural Science, 70(1), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1079/ejhs.2005/27625
Díaz-Pérez, J. C., & Eaton, T. E. (2015). Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) plant growth and fruit yield as affected by drip irrigation rate. HortScience, 50(11), 1709–1714. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.50.11.1709
Duri, L. G., Paradiso, R., Di Mola, I., Cozzolino, E., Ottaiano, L., Marra, R., & Mori, M. (2025). Organic fertilization and biostimulant application to improve yield and quality of eggplant while reducing the environmental impact. Plants, 14, 962. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14060962
El-Sayed, S. F., Shahein, M. M., Abdrabbo, M. A., & Hafez, A. S. (2021). Physiological studies on eggplant (Solanum melongena) grown under drought conditions. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S9), 2332–2354. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS9.12933
Ertek, A., Şensoy, S., Küçükyumuk, C., & Gedik, İ. (2006). Determination of plant-pan coefficients for field-grown eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) using class A pan evaporation values. Agricultural Water Management, 85(1-2), 58-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2006.03.013
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - FAO (2025). FAOSTAT: Crops and livestock products. Production quantities of Eggplants by country. (accessed June 11 2025). http://www.fao.org/faostat/es/#data/QCL/visualize
Ferreira, O. G. L., Rossi, F. D., Vaz, R. Z., Fluck, A. C., Costa, O. A. D., & Farias, P. P. (2017). Leaf area determination by digital image analysis. Archivos de Zootecnia, 66(256): 593–597. https://doi.org/10.21071/az.v66i256.2777
Gardner, F. P., Pearce, R. B., & Mitchell, R. L. (1990). Physiology of crop plants. (2nd ed.). Iowa State Press.
González Bell, J. (2018). Los cultivos con mayor potencial del agro Caribe. La República. larepublica.co/especiales/las-empresas-que-mas-venden-en-el-caribe/los-cultivos-con-mayor-potencial-del-agro-caribe-2764650
Haggag, I. A. A., Moustafa, M. M. I., Salama, A. N., Fadl, M. E., Drosos, M., Scopa, A., & Abd El-Raheem, A. A. S. (2024). Effect of biostimulators as foliar application on eggplant “Black Beauty cultivar” growth, yield and chemical composition in multi-stressed loamy sand soil. Horticulturae, 10(12), 1272. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121272
Hasibuan, H. (2023). Growth response and production of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) with dosage test of chicken manure and phosphate fertilizer. Jurnal Agronomi Tanaman Tropika (Juatika), 5(1), 207-217. https://doi.org/10.36378/juatika.v5i1.2684
Hsieh, C. Y., Fang, S. L., Wu, Y. F., Chu, Y. C., & Kuo, B. J. (2021). Using sigmoid growth curves to establish growth models of tomato and eggplant stems suitable for grafting in subtropical countries. Horticulturae, 7(12), 537. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7120537
Ienciu, A., Cârbunar, M., & Silagy, D. (2018). Research on the growth and development of several eggplant varieties in organic farming. Annals of the University of Oradea, Fascicle: Environmental Protection, 31, 201–206.
Jamili, K. M., Catubis, K. M. L., Pascual, P. R. L., & Cabillo, R. A. (2022). Enhanced growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) applied with seaweed extract. Thai Journal of Agricultural Science, 55(3), 175-184.
Khah, E. M. (2011). Effect of grafting on growth, performance and yield of aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) in greenhouse and open-field. International Journal of Plant Production, 5(4), 359–366. https://doi.org/10.22069/ijpp.2012.746
Khandaker, M. M., Syafiq, M., Abdulrahman, M. D., Mohd, K. S., Yusoff, N., Sajili, M. H., & Badaluddin, N.A. (2020). Influence of Paclobutrazol on growth, yield and quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena). Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 19(4), 361-3714. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajps.2020.361.371
Kürklü, A., Hadley, P., & Wheldon, A. (1998). Effects of temperature and time of harvest on the growth and yield of aubergine (Solanum melongena L.). Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 22(4), 341–348.
Kuzhalarasi, J. P., Paramasivan, M., Leninraja, D., Jeberlin, P. B., & Manivannan, M. I. (2024). Effect of organic amendments on growth and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and physico-chemical properties of Alfisols of Tamirabarani. Plant Science Today, 11(sp4), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.5828
Li, Y., Guo, W., Wu, J., Duan M., Yang, Y., & Liu, S. (2022). Estimation of greenhouse-grown eggplant evapotranspiration based on a crop coefficient model. Water, 14, 2959. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14192959
Li, X., Qiang, X., Yu, Z., Li, S., Sun, Z., He, J., Han, L., Li, Q., & He, L. (2024). Effects of different water stresses under subsurface infiltration irrigation on eggplant growth and water productivity. Scientia Horticulturae, 337, 113548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113548
Lima, P. R., Carlesso, R. E., Borsoi, A., Ecco, M., Fernandes, F. V., Mezzalira, É. J., Rampim, L., Rosset, J. S., Battistus, A. G., Malavasi, U. C., & Beltramin da Fonseca, P. R. (2014). Effects of different rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) on eggplant yield. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 9(27), 2088–2094. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2013.7597
Lisboa, L. A. M., Santos, M. A., Francisco, M. C., & Pereira, M. H. R. (2024). Physiological responses and initial growth of eggplant under nutrient exclusion from nutrient solution. Agronomía Colombiana, 42(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.15446/agron.colomb.v42n1.114417
Maghfoer, M. D., Soelistyono, R., & Herlina, N. (2014). Growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) on various combinations of N-source and number of main branch. Agrivita, 36(3), 285-294. https://doi.org/10.17503/Agrivita-2014-36-3-285-294
Majeed, S. N. (2024). GC-MS quantification and identification of phytochemical profiling, potential antioxidant activity by DPPH, and mineral elements of eggplant powder (Solanum melongena) in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq. Baghdad Science Journal, 21(12), 3961–3970. https://doi.org/10.21123/bsj.2024.8766
Merta, I. W., & Raksun, A. (2023). Analysis of purple eggplant growth after vermicompost and NPK fertilizer treatment. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(9), 6967–6973. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i9.4883
Mirdad, Z. M. (2011). Vegetative growth yield and yield components of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) as influenced by irrigation intervals and nitrogen levels. Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture Sciences, 22(1), 31–49. https://doi.org/10.4197/Met.22-1.3
Mostfa, Z. A., Alsawaf, A., Al-Rubaie, O. A. F., Saadi, A. M., Al-Chalabi, A. T. M., & Al-Zuhairi, F. F. A. (2025). Effects of organic and amino acid fertilization on growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Organic Farming, 11(2), 127-134. https://doi.org/10.56578/of110205
Naeem, M. Y., & Uğur, S. (2019). Nutritional content and health benefits of eggplant. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 7(sp3), 31-36. https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v7isp3.31-36.3146
Napitupulu, M., Rahmi, A., Ismanto, H., Sutejo, H., & Fatah, A. (2023). Response to growth and yield of purple eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Yufita F1 variety on the Mutiara NPK fertilizer and Kayabio biological fertilizer. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 24(5), 51-58. https://doi.org/10.9734/jaeri/2023/v24i5541
Nazir, G., Hussain, K., Zehra, S. B., & Masoodi, U. H. (2022). A study on correlation and path coefficient analysis of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for yield and yield contributing traits. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 34(21), 763-768. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2022/v34i2131330
Quamruzzaman, A. K. M., Khatun, A., & Islam, F. (2020). Nutritional content and health benefits of Bangladeshi eggplant cultivars. European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2(4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejfood.2020.2.4.76
Raigón, M. D., Prohens, J., Muñoz-Falcón, J. E., & Nuez, F. (2008). Comparison of eggplant landraces and commercial varieties for fruit content of phenolics, minerals, dry matter and protein. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 21(5), 370-376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2008.03.006
Rehman, S., Hafiz, I. A., Ali, I., & Abbasi, N. A. (2019). Growth and yield response of different brinjal cultivars to irrigation deficit conditions. Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 2(3), 78–84. https://doi.org/10.46653/jhst190203078
Sanyang, S. E., Demba, S., & Njie, E. (2025). Growth performance of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) enhanced by watering intervals and application of organic manure. International Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences, 11(1), 24-28. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20251101.13
Sathe, R. K., & Raskar, B. S. (2022). Response of growth and yield parameters of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) as influenced by different organic treatments. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 11(4), 636-642.
Souza, Á. H. C., Rezende, R., Lorenzon, M. Z., Seron, C. D. C., & Santos, F. A. S. (2018). Agronomic efficiency and growth of eggplant crop under different potassium and nitrogen doses. Revista Caatinga, 31(3), 737–747. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252018v31n324rc
Staykov, N., Kanojia, A., Lyall, R., Ivanova, V., Alseekh, S., Petrov, V., & Gechev, T. (2025). Sustainable agriculture through seaweed biostimulants: A two-year study demonstrates yield enhancement in pepper and eggplant. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16, 1655340. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1655340
Suminarti, N. E., Aini, N., Aldiyansyah, N., & Prasetianto, M. (2025). Increasing the growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) plants by applying chicken manure and PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) on ultisols. International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 10(1), 120-133. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijeab.101.15