Abstract
A non-replicated demonstration of eggplant varieties was conducted at Purdue University's Meigs Horticulture Facility to evaluate eight varieties, including four Italian-type and four Asian-type varieties, under Indiana growing conditions. Plants were transplanted on May 14, 2024, with 30 plants per variety in 180-foot rows. Weekly harvests occurred from weeks 8 to 18 after transplanting. Italian varieties consistently produced higher marketable yields than Asian types, with Nigral achieving the highest yield at 55,446 pounds per acre (17.7 fruits per plant, averaging 11.2 ounces per fruit). Rolandia produced the heaviest individual fruits, with an average weight of 12.3 ounces. Among Asian varieties, Orient Express and Shikou performed best, both yielding approximately 43,700 pounds per acre. Chinese String produced the most fruits per plant (35.2) but showed reduced heat tolerance. All varieties demonstrated peak performance during the first five weeks of harvest (July to early August), with color fading being the primary quality concern.
Keywords
Eggplant, Variety, Demonstration
Date of this Version
2025
Recommended Citation
Langenhoven, Petrus and Catucuamba Tuquerrez, Lizeth Sofia, "Eggplant Variety Demonstration Results for West-Central Indiana, 2024" (2025). Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports. Paper 281.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/mwvtr/281