Brinjals, also referred to as eggplants or aubergines, belong to the same family (Solanaceae) as the potato, tomato and peppers. The plant flourishes in hot climates, but cannot tolerate drought. Brinjals are sensitive to cold weather and are damaged easily by frost. In a crop rotation system, they are grouped in the fruit group (tomatoes, peppers, chillies and potatoes). Because of the crop's high yield, only a few plants (6) are needed to feed a family. Brinjals are low in calories, contain mostly water with some protein, fibre and carbohydrates and no fats.

Soil preparation
• Because only a few plants are needed, it is better to prepare only the planting spot. Each spot should have a diameter of 30 to 40 cm. The planting spots should be about 75 cm apart. Turn the soil using a garden fork to ensure proper aeration of soil and to work in plant rests and weeds into the soil.
• Brinjals do extremely well in soil with a high humus content.
• Apply one big handful of 2:3:2 (22) per m2, and turn the top 20 cm of soil.
• The optimum pH (water) for brinjals is between 5,5 and 6,5.

Reproduction
• Brinjals reproduce by seed.
• Seedlings should first be established in trays with 128 holes and then transplanted, or can be sown in small pots or in a tomato box filled with compost-rich soil or seedling mix.
• The seeds often contain many empty shells, which are darker in colour, and which should be separated before planting.
• Seed should be sown in 1 cm drills and covered with soil.
• Start making seedlings from August to September in the North West Province and Gauteng.
• Germination will take place after 10 to 14 days and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots 5 weeks later.
• Kepp seedlings moist but not wet. Use a watering can with fine spray.
• If seed were planted in a seedling tray, seedlings should be fertilised 10 days after germination, using a liquid fertiliser.
• Transplant into the garden when seedlings are 10 to 12 cm tall. Do not plant weak, damaged or long- stemmed seedlings. The soil should be very wet.

Cultivation
• Keep the planting spots clean by removing weeds.
• Irrigate early in the mornings (at least twice a week).
• Apply 20 to 30 g 2:3:2 fertiliser or liquid manure every month to each spot. Mulching will lower the soil temperature after planting. Apply every 7 to 8 weeks.
• Turn the soil lightly after fertiliser application and water thoroughly.

Harvesting
Harvest the fruit as soon as it reaches a diameter of 7 to 10 cm (about 3 months after transplanting). In the case of good irrigation and fertilisation practices, 10 to 12 of them can be harvested from each plant. Brinjal plants are delicate and care should be taken not to damage the plants during harvesting (the stems are quite brittle). Cut the fruit with pruning scissors. Handle with care to prevent bruising. Keep in mind that the shelf life of the fruit is not very long.

Pests and diseases
• Potato ladybirds
Larvae as well as adult beetles devour the leaves, leaving only a network of veins.
Control by spraying with a registered pesticide according to prescription.

• Cutworms
They attack the transplanted seedlings direct above the soil level during the night. Control by using a bait or plastic collars.

• Eelworm/Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopically small and attack the roots of many types of vegetables. Roots of infected plants show knots and the plants are small with a low yield.

Diseases
Bacterial wilt can be prevented by following a crop rotation cycle, with brinjals or any other member of the Solanaceae family planting only once every fourth year. 

Qty: 5gm