Response of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) varieties to ratooning

The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with variety as main plot factor and ratoon height as sub-plot factor replicated three times to determine and evaluate the response of eggplant varieties to ratooning. The study has the following specific objectives: 1) to determine the yield performance of two eggplant varieties to ratooning; 2) to evaluate which height of ratooning would give the best yield of eggplant; 3) to determine which eggplant variety is most responsive to ratooning; and 4) to determine the cost and return analysis of ratooning eggplant. Ratoon height significantly influenced the horticultural characters of eggplant varieties. Unratooned eggplants bloomed earlier and harvesting was done ahead than the ratooned ones. Eggplants that were ratooned 15 cm produced significantly longer and bigger fruits with 22.03 cm and 3.58 cm fruit length and diameter, respectively. No significant variety x ratoon height interaction effect was noted on fruit length. However, variety x ratoon height interaction effect on fruit diameter was significant. Morena variety that were ratooned 15 cm produced the biggest fruits with 3.78 cm diameter. Significant effects of ratoon height were noted on number of non-marketable fruits and average weight of marketable fruits. Eggplants that were ratooned produced significantly lesser number of non-marketable fruits. Variety, ratoon height and variety x ratoon height interaction have no significant influence on percentage fruitsetting, number of marketable fruits, fruit weight, yield per plot and computed yield per hectare. Interaction effect of variety x ratoon height on both horticultural characters and yield components were not significant except on fruit diameter. Highest gross and net incomes were realized from the control eggplant varieties. Highest return on expenses (ROE) was derived from Casino and Morena varieties that were not ratooned. Ratooning Casino and Morena eggplant varieties is recommended for better yield and profit. Though unratooned eggplants registered the highest yield the difference was negligible. Hence ratooning eggplants at 15 cm offers a promising production.