Varietal response of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to lacto-plus as bio-organic fertilizer

A split plot experiment with variety as main plot factor and fertilizer as sub-plot factor was conducted to determine and evaluate the varietal response of eggplant to Lacto-plus as bio-organic fertilizer with the following specific objectives: 1) to evaluate the growth and yield performance of two eggplant varieties as influenced by lacto-plus bio-organic fertilizer; 2) to determine the level of Lacto-plus bio-organic fertilizer that will give the best yield of eggplant; and 3) to assess the economics of eggplant production using lacto-plus as bio-organic fertilizer. Plant height varied between the two eggplant varieties. Morena was taller than Casino variety. Casino bloomed earlier than Morena, and percentage of fruit setting was higher in the Casino variety. Morena eggplants bore fruits that are 2.0 cm longer than those of Casino. Fertilizer and variety x fertilizer interaction effect however, were not significant on the foregoing parameters. Horticultural characteristics like number of days to first harvest and fruit diameter were not significantly affected by variety, fertilizer and variety x fertilizer interaction effects. Variety, fertilizer and variety x fertilizer interaction have no significant influence on number of marketable and non-marketable fruits, fruit weight, marketable fruit weight, plot yield, and computed yield per hectare. Highest gross and net incomes were attained from Casino without fertilizer while least income was realized from Morena applied with 100% inorganic fertilizer. Highest return of investment (ROI) was realized from both eggplant varieties applied with 100% inorganic fertilizer. Higher net income and ROI were attained from both eggplant varieties applied with 100% Lacto-plus bio-organic fertilizer compared to the same varieties applied with 50% Lacto-plus bio-organic fertilizer + 50% inorganic fertilizer. Application of 100% Lacto-plus bio-organic fertilizer is recommended for both eggplant varieties for better yield and profits.