Optimizing Cultivation Techniques and Nutritional Profiles of Selected Brinjal Varieties in Solana

Aim: This study aimed to show that better cultivation practices for brinjal varieties improve their nutritional quality. Increased production and consumption of these nutrient-dense varieties helped to reduce nutrient deficiencies. Introduction: Vegetables are crucial for a balanced diet, and proper cultivation practices are essential for maintaining crops. Brinjal is one of the common vegetable crops that maintains and improves nutritional factors in our daily balanced diet. Materials and Methods: Three brinjal genotypes were used: Bhavani Gold and Purple Round, and Haritha. Field trials, conducted from February 2021 to 2022 in a Randomized block design, involved planting 2-3 seeds per plastic tray pit at a depth of 2-3 cm. Nutritional quality was assessed by analysing moisture content, total protein, carbohydrates, total reducing sugar, and lipid content in fresh, dried, and powdered fruits. Experiment was repeated in three times and statistically represented as mean, standard deviation, and standard error. Results and Conclusion: The study emphasised key factors such as soil suitability, optimal planting seasons, land preparations, selection of high-quality planting materials, effective production methods, storage practices, plant population management, irrigation management, harvesting techniques, and nutrient management to improve crop yield. Brinjal cultivation is suited to warm seasons, with sunlight crucial for seed germination, flowering, and fruiting. Haritha was the earliest flowering variety. The irrigation schedule ranged from 8 to 10 days in winter and 5 to 6 days in summer, while the fruit harvesting period spanning 60-160 days. Haritha exhibited higher levels of moisture content (91.2±0.2%), total protein (3.4±0.05 g/100 g), and total reducing sugar (3.1±0.03 g/100 g) compared to the local varieties Bhavani Gold and Purple Round.