Abstract:
The study to evaluate the variability of eggplant (Solanum melongena) cultivars for improved growth, yield performance and the response of a 6th generation progeny (Yalo X K3 Bc2 P1) to split application of nitrogen fertilizer was carried out at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Research and Teaching Farm between September, 2016 and August, 2017. For the field trials, nineteen genotypes (five parents and fourteen progenies) were used while only one selected progeny (Yalo X K3 Bc2 P1) was used for the nitrogen trials. The field trials were laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times while the nitrogen trials was a 2 x 4 Factorial Experiment laid out in RCBD replicated thrice. Factor A comprise the frequency of application of nitrogen (single and split application) while Factor B has 4 levels (0, 50, 100 and 150kgN/ha). Data were collected on plant height (cm), Number of branches, Number of leaves, at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after transplanting, number of fruit per plant, fruit weight per plant (g), number of fruit per plot, fruit weight per plot (g), fruit yield per hectare (t/ha) and fruit circumference. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences (p=0.05) in most of the data collected. The highest number of fruits per plot was seen in Ogbojioroke (1716) which is a local variety The highest fruit weight per plot was seen in K3 x Iyoyo Bc2P1 (1205g). Ogbojioroke also was found to be an early maturing genotype as it flowered and fruited at 57.7 and 65 days after sowing for nitrogen trials, Significant differences (p=0.05) were observed in both the flowering and yield data. Split application and 100kgN/ha gave the highest fruit yield per hectare of 12.33t/ha and 18.06t/ha respectively. Also the interaction between split application and 100kgN/ha gave the highest yield per hectare of 18.69t/ha. Split application was found to increase yield as well as stabilize yield as yields increased from first harvest (1628.07g) to second harvest (2072g) unlike in single application with 2050.68g and 1467g respectively.
