Factors increasing productivity of aubergine under seedless cultivation in irrigated conditions of Astrakhan region

Relevance. To increase the yield of aubergine, a number of agrotechnical methods have been studied. In the conditions of the Astrakhan region, one of the methods is the cultivation of aubergine without seedlings, in which it is very important to select varieties adapted to these conditions, suitable for the duration of the growing season. Cultivation of aubergine without seedling method, in comparison with seedling method, allows to exclude material and technical costs for growing seedlings. To increase the productivity of selected varieties, an important agronomic technique is the use of plant growth regulators that increase plant resistance to unfavourable environmental factors and have a stimulating effect on plant growth and development.

Material and methodology. In conditions of Astrakhan region on alluvial-meadow, medium-loamy soils with granulometric composition were carried out studies to identify varieties that are best adapted to these natural-climatic conditions and give the highest yields in seedless cultivation. In the second experiment on seedless aubergine the effect of growth regulators on plant productivity was studied using preparations - Melafen, BP, Gibbersib, P, Biodux, Zh, Epin extra, R.

Results. On drip irrigation in conditions of Astrakhan region under cultivation by seedless method were studied varietal characteristics of 6 varieties of aubergine with fruits of cylindrical shape, fruit index 4,3-4,4. Among the varieties studied, Almaz and Alekseevsky stood out by the main productivity indicators, forming 6.2-6.6 pieces of fruit per plant with an average weight of 220.7-223.5 g, which provided the formation of yield 42.3-45.8 tonnes/ha. The use of plant growth regulators Melafen, BP and Epin Extra, P on the variety Alexeevsky at the seedless method of cultivation promoted the friendly appearance of shoots, activated growth processes; the number of lateral shoots increased by 1.3-1.5 pieces, the raw above-ground weight of plants was greater by 29.1-34.0 g, the total yield increased by 27.1-34.5%, compared with the control. The varieties most suitable for growing by seedless method and showing the highest yield were identified - Alekseevsky, Almaz. It was found that the use of growth regulators accelerated plant development, increased the height of the main stem and the number of lateral shoots, weight and number of fruits on the plant, which was reflected in plant productivity. Application of growth regulator Epin extra, P allowed to obtain a yield of 52.2 t/ha, which was 34.5% higher than the yield of the control.

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