PERFORMANCE OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena L.

) AS INFLUENCED
BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRUNING

MARVIN B. VENIEGAS

Thesis Outline Submitted to the Faculty of Sultan Kudarat State University

College of Agribusiness, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRIBUSINESS

JANUARY 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES
Title Page i
Table of Contents ii

CHAPTER I- INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study 2
Objectives of the Study 2
Significance of the Study 3
Scope and Limitation of the Study 3
Time and Place of the Study 3
Definition of Terms 4

CHAPTER II- REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Heading 7
Pinching 8
Thinning 8
Conceptual Framework of the Study 9

CHAPTER III- METHODOLOGY

Materials 10
Methods 10
Experimental Design and Treatments 10
Land Preparation 11
Sowing 11
Transplanting 11
Pest and Disease Control 11
Weeding 11
Watering 11
Procedure of Pruning 12
Fertilizer Application 12
Harvesting 13
Experimental Field of Lay-out 14
Data to be Gathered 15
Statistical Analysis 15

LITERATURE CITED

APPENDICES
Appendix 1- Dummy Table 19
Appendix 2- Budget Requirement 20

ii
 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) also called aubergine or Guinea

squash is a tender perennial plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), grown

for its edible fruits. It requires a warm climate and has been cultivated in native

Southeast Asia since remote antiquity.

(https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Eggplant)

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a rich source of phenolic compounds

that function as antioxidants. Plants form such compounds to protect themselves

against oxidative stress from exposure to the elements, as well as from infection

by bacteria and fungi. In addition to featuring a host of vitamins and minerals,

eggplant also contains important phytonutrients, many which have antioxidant

activity. Phytonutrients contained in eggplant include phenolic compounds, such

caffeic and chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids, such as nasunin, a potent

antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has been shown to protect cell

membranes from damage. (http://www.whfoods.com)

In the Philippines, eggplant or talong is the leading vegetable crop in

terms of volume (249, 900 metric tons) and area of production (21, 800

hectares). The Philippines ranks seventh among the main eggplant harvesters,

although the vegetable is grown for the local market. Eggplant farming also offers
huge income potential for resource-poor farmers in many provinces in the

country.

In the Municipality of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, our local eggplant

farmer in the municipality suffered huge losses of up to 70% above annually due

to its most devastating insect pest and various plant disease. To prevent severe

losses of their income due to pest infestation and damage, our local farmers

spray their eggplant crops chemical insecticides and pesticides at least four

times a week, or up to 80 times per cropping season. Eggplant farmers spend

10-50% of the total production cost for chemical insecticides alone. This kind of

practice is high costly, unsustainable, and harmful to farmers and their

consumers, and the environment.

Due to losses cause by insect infestation, cultural management practices

must be improved. Pruning could be one practice to increase production.

The purpose of this study is to help educate the local eggplant farmers

about the benefits of pruning as one of the best techniques to increase

production.

Objective of the Study

Generally, the study aims to determine the growth and yield performance

of eggplant as influence by different types of pruning.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. determine the effect of different types of pruning in eggplant in terms of

plant height, length of fruits, number of fruits and weight of fruits;

2
 2. determine what types of pruning can give better growth and yield

performance in eggplant; and

3. determine the economics of eggplants as influenced by different types of

pruning.

Significance of the Study

This study focuses on the impact of various pruning techniques on

eggplant growth and production performance. The study's findings could serve as

a benchmark for farmers looking to cultivate eggplant and develop their skills and

knowledge in vegetable farming.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will only focus on how the different types of pruning affect

eggplant growth and yield performance of eggplant.

Time and Place of the Study

The study will be conducted at Purok 3 Biwang, Bagumbayan, Sultan

Kudarat from July to October 2022 with the duration of 125 days.

3
Definition of Terms

Antioxidants- are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay

some types of cell damage. Diets high in vegetables and fruits,

which are good sources of antioxidants, have been found to be

healthy; however, research has not shown antioxidant

supplements to be beneficial in preventing diseases.

Phenolic- are secondary metabolites, which are produced in the shikimic

acid of plants and pentose phosphate through phenylpropanoid

metabolization .They contain benzene rings, with one or more

hydroxyl substituents, and range from simple phenolic

molecules to highly polymerized compounds.

Polyphenols- are micro nutrients that naturally occur in plants. They're

included in many supplements, though they're also easy to get

in your diet from foods like fruits, vegetables, teas, and spices.

Vitamin A- is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods.

Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system,

and reproduction. Vitamin A also helps the heart, lungs,

kidneys, and other organs work properly.

Vitamin C- (also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate) is a vitamin found

in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to

prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient

involved in the repair of tissue, the formation of collagen, and

the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters.

4
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter deals with the related readings that will support the

conceptualization and interpretation of the study.

Franco et al., (2009) stated that pruning systems in cherry tomato are

normally used in protected cultivation and the choice of a proper pruning system

is an important factor for achieving a profitable balance between labor costs and

crop yield without the loss of fruit quality.

Mantur and Patil (2008) stated that pruning the side shoots of tomato

plays a key role in the efficient use of the planting area in protected cultivation

and shoot pruning maintains a proper balance between vegetative growth and

the fruit load.

Eifediyi and Remison (2009) stated that pruning cucumber enhances

marketable yield in terms of the size and weight of the fruit.

 Ayala-Tafoya et al., (2019) showed that  delayed pruning of cucumber will

invariably result in a dense canopy of leaves shades the fruits causing them to

pale and therefore needs to be pruned and a sufficient number of leaves

maintained on the plant.

Kabir (2010) found that pruning delayed fruiting in okra and usually gave

more larger and desirable percentage of good quality fruits. Hence pruning

facilitates opening of leaves to sunlight and partitioning of assimilates was high in

pruned plants.
 Resh (1996) reported that the pruning of peppers cultivated in a

greenhouse improves light interception, fruit set and fruit quality due to the

reduced number of branches.

Jovicich et al., (1999) reported that higher marketable yields from sweet

pepper plants pruned to four stems, compared to those pruned to two or one

stem.

Patil et al., (1973) reported that tomato plant can be severely pruned

without affecting the yield in tomato.

Baki (1987) reported that pruning showed a significant effect on plant

height in tomato. Unpruned plants exhibited higher plant height and highest

number of inflorescence. Higher number of fresh ripe fruits were also obtained

from unpruned plants.

Davis and Estes (1993) stated that pruning of tomato plants could reduce

production costs, increase yields and improve the quality of fruits.

Hernandez and Sanches (1992) found that fruit length of tomato was

greatest in plants for pruning one stem and the number of fruits was higher.

Davis and Ester (1993) stated that proper pruning practices may lead to

the production of relatively large sized fruit with better quality, increase yield,

early harvest, easy harvesting of fruits and conveniences in intercultural

operation without damage to the fruits or plants. Pruning could reduce production

costs, increase yields and improve the quality of fruits. Pruning associated with

proper age of seedling is an important factor for successful of eggplant

production.

6
 Singh et al. (1999) stated that very heavy pruning advanced flowering and

fruiting by 10 days but total yield was reduced. Light and medium leaf pruning

generally induced flowering 6-7 days earlier and produced the highest yield (5.5

kg/plant). Generally, very light leaf pruning was not effective in influencing

flowering and fruiting.

Paksoy et al. (1993) revealed that both pruning methods (i.e. to 2 or 3

shoots) significantly increased main-shoot length and 1st class fruit yield. Total

yield was not affected by pruning method. The highest total and 1st class fruit

yields were obtained with the cultivars Sicilia and Imperial.

Patil et al. (1973) stated that tomato plant can be severely pruned without

affecting the yield. Proper pruning method gives the best quality and early fruit in

tomato. Although pruning needs extra cost, the practice could increase the

economic return by increasing yields and improvement of the quality of fruits.

Heading

Gilman (1997) stated that heading cuts remove the growing tip of a

branch. This releases the side buds to grow resulting in a more dense growth at

the point of pruning. Heading encourages the growth of a vegetable plant by

removing flower buds. “Heading” is commonly used on plants that produce

flowers you do not want. This includes eggplants, peppers, and other members

of the Solanaceae family. Heading can also be used to encourage branching by

removing the tip of a branch or stem, which is called “crown pruning.” This

technique will promote more lateral branching and yield a fuller plant. Heading

7
annuals and perennials will produce more flowers that bloom for a longer period

of time, and for perennials, this carries over to the next growing season.

Pinching

Steffey (1997) stated that pinching is a simple form of pruning. It is done

by removing the growing tip of a main stem; using your fingernail to pinch out the

terminal bud. Pinching encourages buds to develop farther back on the stem;

more branches are the result, and extra growing points for flowers on flowering

plants. Pinching encourages your vegetable plants to grow bushier and more

compact, ultimately producing more vegetables for you in less room. Vegetables

such as Green Beans, Chili Peppers, Tomatoes all benefit from pinching. Flower

crops like broccoli and cauliflower also grow more compact if pinched regularly.

There are various reasons why you might want to pinch off the growing tips.

Thinning

Gilman (1997) revealed that thinning also can reduce incidence of foliage

diseases by increasing airflow and allows more sunlight. Thinning greatly

improves appearance and flower size, and helps prevent disease. Shape and

reduce the size of overgrown and bulky plants by cutting unwanted stems to the

base of the plant or where stems meet. Typically, it is good to remove up to one-

third of the stems, especially in overcrowded areas where the foliage is beginning

to discolor or die. If the plant is simply invading the space of surrounding plants in

a bed, just cut outside stems to keep the plant in its place.

8
Conceptual Frameworks

PROCESS
INPUT
- Applying different types of
-Low supply of eggplant pruning in eggplant

-Poor growth performance of - Weeding, watering and other

eggplant management practices

- Data gathering, analysis and

interpretation.

OUTPUT

- Increase growth and yield

performance of pruned
eggplant

- Increase the income of

farmers

Figure1. The Conceptual Framework of the Study.

The conceptual model that will be used in this study is input- process-

output model where in a series of boxes are connected. The first step shows the

problem that occur in the industry, second is how it will be conducted so that the

researcher can gather data and then last will be the clarification, solution and

conclusion of the problem.

9
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

Materials

The materials to be used in this study will be the following, eggplant

seeds, sacks, shovel, transparent ruler, tape measure, record book, ballpen,

calculator, placards, bamboo, weighing scale, camera, scissors, weeding tools,

and tie box.

Methods

Experimental Design and Treatments

The study will be laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design

(RCBD). Each treatment will be replicated three (3) times with ten (5) sample

plants per treatment. The treatment will be as follows:

T1- No pruning

T2- Heading Cut

T3- Pinching Cut

T4- Thinning Cut

Land Preparation

For land preparation, plow the field once and harrow twice. Remove

weeds and cultivate the proposed area, Make 12 plots where beds are 6 inches

high with the measurement of 1.5 meters in width and 2 meters in length.

Seedlings are ready for transplanting 15 days after sowing.

Sowing

The seeds will be sown in a plastic seedling tray with the 60 to 100 cells

or holes.

Transplanting

The seedlings will be transplanted to the planting area with the distance of

24 inches per plant. It will be transplanted 15 days after sowing.

Pest and Diseases Control

Pest and diseases control will be done by applying an insecticide/fungicide

to control the presence of insect/disease attacking the experimental plants.

Weeding

Every plot and its surroundings will receive weekly hand weeding if

necessary to reduce nutrient competition and promote plant growth.

Watering

If there isn't enough rain to provide the plants with the moisture they

require for growth, daily watering will be done.

11
Procedure of Pruning

The following are the proper procedure of different types of pruning.

 Heading: Scissor will be used to remove the growing tip of a branch of

eggplant. It will promote more lateral branching and yield of plants.

Heading cuts are most effective with young branches.

 Pinching: Fingers or fingernail will be used to pinch the terminal bud or

growing tip of main stem of young eggplant, it will forced the plant to grow

two new stems from below the pinch or cut and this process will results in

a bushier and fuller plant. It is only necessary to use fingers or a fingernail

to remove this portion of the stem since it is often soft and fleshy.

 Thinning: Scissor will be used to remove a side branch back to the trunk

or parent branch; it will produce more flowers, fruits, and foliage, and

increase air circulation and sunlight between stems to prevent mildew,

other diseases, and insects from infecting and infesting plants. An

increased sunlight and air movement will also promote better branch.

Fertilizer Application

Fertilizer will be applied using the recommended dosage. Water will be

sprinkled on the seedling immediately after applying the Urea fertilizer (46%

Nitrogen) to avoid burning of leaves.

12
Harvesting

Matured eggplant will be harvested 90 days after planting. The harvested

eggplant will be placed in different baskets or sacks by treatment. Manually

harvested will be used during harvesting.

13
Block I Block II Block III

T1
T2 T4

T4 T3 T2

T3 T2 T1

T1 T4 T3

Figure 2. Experimental Field of Lay-out

Legend:

T1- No pruning

T2- Heading Cut

T3- Pinching Cut

T4- Thinning Cut

14
Data to be Gathered

Average Plant Height (cm) This will be determined by measuring the

height from base to the tip of healthy plants.

Length of Fruits (cm) This will be determined by measuring the length of

the fruit of the eggplant.

Number of Fruits per Plant. This will be determined by counting the

harvested fruits per plant.

Weight of Fruits (kg). It will be measured by weighing the harvested

fruits from the first harvest until the termination of the study.

Statistical Analysis

Data to be gathered will be statistically analyzed using the Analysis of

Variance in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Test on significant

difference per treatment will be subjected to Least Significant Difference (LSD).

15
 LITERATURE CITED

AYALA-TAFOYA F, LÓPEZ-ORONA CA, YÁÑEZ-JUÁREZ MG, DÍAZ-VALDEZ

T, VELÁZQUEZ-ALCARAZ T, DELGADO JMP (2019). Plant density and
stem pruning in greenhouse cucumber production. Revista Mexicana de
Ciencias Agrícolas 10(1):79-90

BAKI, A. (1987). Effects of spacing and pruning on the yield of tomato

cultivaroxheart. an ms thesis, department of horticulture, bau,
mymensingh. p. 8.

DAVIS, J. M. AND ESTER, E.A. (1993). Spacing and pruning effect on growth,
yield and economic returns of staked fresh market tomatoes. J. Soc. Hort.
Sci., 118(6): 719-725.
EIFEDIYI EK, REMISON SU (2009). Effect of Time of Planting on the Growth
and Yield of Five Varieties of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L). Report and
Opinion 1(5).

FRANCO, J.L., M. DIAZ, F. DIANEZ AND F. CAMACHO, (2009). Influence of

different types of pruning on cherry tomato fruit production and quality. J.
Food Agric. Environ., 7: 248-253.

GILMAN EDWARD F. (1997). An Illustrated Guide to Pruning, Second Edition.

Delmar. 2002

HERNANDEZ, C.V.M. AND SANCHES, F.C.D. (1992). Response to planting

distance and pruningsystem in tomatoes growing in hydroponics culture
in a basic green house. Deptt. of de Fifotecnia, Univerdad Aufonoma
Chapingo. 15 (73-74):23-25.

JOVICICH, E., CANTLIFFE, D. J. AND HOCHMUTH, G. J. (1999). Plant density

and shoot pruning on yield and quality of a summer greenhouse sweet
pepper crop in North Central Florida. p. 184- 190. In K.D. Batal (ed.) 28th
National Agricultural Plastics Congress. Proc. Amer. Soc. Plasticulture,
Tallahassee, FL, May 19- 22. ASP, State College, PA.

KABIR, A. (2010). Effect of branch pruning on plant growth, fruit and seed yield
in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cv. LD 66-1. Unpublished research
project submitted to crop production Department, Federal University of
Technology, Minna, Niger State,18, 562-568.

MANTUR, S.M. AND S.R. PATIL, (2008). Influence of spacing and pruning on
yield of tomato grown under shade house. Karnataka J. Agric. Sci., 21:
97-98.

16
PAKSOY, M., COCKSHULL, A.M., TUZEL, K.E. (1994). The effects of different
prunings on the yield and quality of brinjal cultivars grown in greenhouse
conditions. Acta Hort. pp. 366: 287-292.

PATIL (1973). Effect of pruning technique on growth and yield of tomato

(Lycopersiconesculentum Mill.)
RESH, H.M., (1996). Hydroponic food production, 5th edn, Woodridge Press
Publ. Co., Santa Barbara, Califonia.

SINGH, D.R., SHARMA, R.N., KUMAR, S. (1999). Effect of leaf pruning on

growth and yield of brinjal. Indian Agriculture. 43:3-4, 139-141 ;2.

THOMPSON AND KELLY. (1957). Effect of pruning technique on growth and

yield of tomato.

UTOBO, E.B., L.G. EKWU, E.O. OGAH AND G.N. NWOKWU, (2010). Growth
and yield of cucumber varieties as influenced by pruning at Abakaliki
Agricultural area Southeastern Nigeria. Cont. J. Agron., 4: 23-27.

17
APPENDICES

18
Appendix Table 1. Dummy Table on the Performance of Eggplant (Solanum
melongena L.) as Influenced by Different types of Pruning. Purok 3
Biwang, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat. 2023

Treatments Blocks Total Mean

I II III

T1(No Pruning)
T2(Heading Cut)
T3(Pinching Cut)
T4(Thinning Cut)

Grand Total
Grand Mean

Analysis of Variance

Source of Variance df SS MS Fc F-tab__

5% 1%

Treatment
Block
Error

Total

cv =

19
Appendix 2. Table 1. Budgetary Requirements of the study on Performance of
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) as Influenced by Different types
of Pruning. Purok 3 Biwang, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat. 2023

ITEMS ESTIMATED COST

I. Expenses

1. Travel 200.00

2. Supplies and Materials

160.00
a. Eggplant Seeds
250.00
b. Insecticide/ pesticide

c. Fertilizer 250.00

d. Tarpaulin 340.00
3. Typing Services
800.00
a. Outline
1,000.00
b. Manuscript

c. Contingency 500.00

Sub Total MOOE 3,160.00

Grand Total 3,160.00

20