Baluroi F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Solanaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

Solanum

Species

melongena

Description

A horticultural plant belonging, together with tomato, potato and pepper, to the Solanaceae botanical family; used for food purposes for its fruit used after cooking in a large number of recipes linked to culinary traditions in many geographical areas of the world. Cultivated as an annual, both in the open field and in pots, it requires suitable mild temperatures to grow and ensure adequate final productivity. Easy to grow, today it is present with a considerable assortment of varieties that differ in size, shape and consistency of the fruits (berries).

Species Video

https://youtu.be/Mfp-jhFIRI8

Varietal description

Historical variety of elongated-fruited aubergine established by the prestigious French research institute inra many decades ago (at the same time as bonica f1), but still very valid. Development cycle is medium early. Plant with good vigour and open foliage. Elongated clavate fruit of a bright dark purple colour with good consistency. The harvest length for maximum organoleptic characteristics is 18 to 22 cm while the recommended harvest weight is 180 to 200 g. The flavour of the pulp is intense. This variety is mainly suitable for open-field cultivation, ensuring full sun positions for the plant.

curiosity and special features

The specific epithet, melongena, derives from the Greek words mélon, meaning apple, and gennáo, meaning to generate, in relation to the plant's characteristic of producing round-shaped fruit; the same common name, Eggplant, used in the Anglo-Saxon world refers to the fruit of some cultivars resembling round chicken eggs.

Cooked aubergine is widely used in many traditional recipes around the world. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it can, if taken in suitable quantities, help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as stimulate bile production.

Origin and Diffusion

The wild progenitor of the aubergine originates from North Africa, then spread over the geographic range from south-central China to Indochina where it grows mainly as a perennial in the tropical and humid subtropical biome; in the 16th century it reached Europe where it began to be cultivated as a horticultural species in warm temperate climate areas. Today it represents, together with the tomato, one of the most economically important crops belonging to the Solanaceae family, commercially present with a vast assortment of varieties cultivated for their edible fruit and consumed worldwide. In Europe, Italy is among the main producers of aubergine.

Flower size

Average flower size compared to other varieties of the same species.

Leaf

Leaf with lamina Ovale tomentosa, i.e. covered with a dense down that is silky to the touch.

Fruit/product

The fruit is an elongated berry, characterised by a firm texture and ranging in size from 18 to 25 cm long and 5 to 8 cm wide, weighing between 180 and 250 g. It has a uniform colouring and a smooth skin. From a sensory point of view, it is delicate in aroma and slightly perfumed, while the flavour is characterised by intensity, fullness and savouriness, accompanied by a delicate taste. Ripening takes place from early summer until autumn. This variety is characterised by good organoleptic characteristics, presenting a fruit of very good quality and overall.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-spring to autumn and lasts between 80 and 180 days.

Leaf color

Unicoloured leaf blade.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.8 to 1.4 m.

Lifespan

Annual Plant.

Suggested planting locations

Variety can be grown in open fields, flowerbeds, large pots

Stem/stem

Semi-woody stem, the variety has needle-like thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a gamopetalous corolla and shaded petals. It flowers from mid-spring to autumn, with a flowering period of between 80 and 180 days. It is attractive to bumblebees and bees.

Growth

The variety expresses vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The plant develops an upright plant habit.

branching

Abundant branching allows Leaf and Flower density with a suitable final fruit production.

pH

The pH, an index of the acidity level of the soil, is of great importance for a correct overall development of the plant, in particular values between 6.0 and 7.0 represent the optimal range for the aubergine; it is advisable not to exceed the neutrality value of 7.0 in order not to compromise the vegetative growth and therefore the subsequent flowering and fructification.

soil preparation

Before transplanting in the open field or in a flowerbed, dig up the soil about 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues of previous crops, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser and, with the help of a hoe, break up the most compact and coarse clods. Continue by creating a raised bed by ballasting the soil to obtain proper drainage of excess water, thus avoiding harmful water stagnation; finally, carefully level the surface, preparing the furrows for subsequent transplanting.

During the cultivation cycle, loosen the first few centimetres of soil to avoid the possible formation of a surface crust, at the same time eliminating adjacent weeds.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

sun exposure

Exposure to full sun is the optimal condition to achieve the best results in vegetative development and final productivity.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 26 °C for best production results. The biological temperature is between 9 and 32 °C.

Use

Horticultural plant used in
Agribusiness

Hardiness

It is moderately hardy; it does not tolerate excess water and temperature fluctuations.

Soil/medium

The ideal soil for cultivating aubergines is medium-textured or tending to sandy, fertile and well-draining; for possible use in planters or large pots, a horticultural soil containing blond and brown peat is recommended.

Maintenance

A variety whose cultivation is fairly easy with an average general level of management effort. With a few cultivation tricks such as fertilisation, irrigation and exposure to sunlight, excellent production results can be achieved.

cultivation tips

Here are some specific cultivation guidelines to achieve the best production results:

Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to maximum light Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Require abundant regular fertilisation

Intercropping/combination

The intercropping with simultaneous maturing bean varieties is suggested.

planting

Apply an average density of 2 plants per square metre during transplanting in order to ensure proper development of each individual specimen with subsequent suitable fruiting and final ripening of the berries. When the temperature has stabilised above the biological minimum level, transplant young seedlings with clear, non-necrotized roots to a raised bed of 15/20 cm, placing them with the collar above the soil surface and irrigating immediately afterwards, preferably during the morning hours.

When the plant has attached its first fruits, using elastic bands, raffia, wicker or twine, tie the stem to the appropriate stake, leaving a suitable space for it to grow and swell.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

pruning

In order to achieve an optimal ratio between vegetative growth and production, timely removal of the basal shoots is recommended. For the harvesting operation, collect the ripe fruit by cutting it off at the base of the stalk using scissors with sharp, clean blades. To achieve maximum organoleptic satisfaction, harvesting takes place when the berries are still soft and the seeds still white and not fully developed.

Reproduction/Propagation

Reproduction is by sowing in containers.

potting

When the plant is young, move it to a larger pot in late spring to allow it to grow properly.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively canal or aqueduct water, either manually or through an irrigation system. For proper germination, it is advisable to moisten the seed before burying it completely in the soil, keeping the soil wet until the sprout emerges, and to cover the surface with non-woven fabric or inert material. For transplanting, in order to obtain a rapid and homogeneous rooting of the seedlings with consequent suitable vegetative development, maintain a constant humidity of the soil but without exceeding the doses applied and avoiding water stagnation, which can lead to root rot, then allow the soil to dry slightly between one irrigation and the next, preventing dry strokes. Pay particular attention during the hottest periods where water demand is greatest. When using a drip irrigation system or a perforated hose, it is advisable to position it at least 10/15 cm away from the seedling collar.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

In the pre-transplant phase, perform a background fertilisation with organo-mineral fertiliser to be buried in the soil. During the growing cycle, provide balanced doses of water-soluble fertiliser specific for horticultural plants to be diluted in the irrigation water and distributed to the soil or substrate according to doses and frequencies proportionate to the needs of the plant. In detail, after the post-transplant rooting period, during which it is important to provide more Phosphorus, continue by providing a fertiliser with a high Nitrogen content to allow the plant to form an adequate structure; then prefer a fertiliser with a higher Potassium content to encourage fructification. With reference to the aubergine it is necessary to increase the frequency of fertilisation during the summer season as this is the most delicate period in terms of adequate final production.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Video

https://youtu.be/cgp7M8973io

Pet friendly

Do not administer raw fruit. Consult with your veterinarian before use.

Edibility for humans

The edible part of the plant is the fruit called the berry.

Human toxicity

Avoid ingesting unripe and uncooked fruit.

advise 1

Always use young seedlings with a maximum of 4-5 true leaves. Transplant on a raised bed of at least 15-20 cm. At the time of transplanting, the roots must have completely enveloped the soil loaf and appear clear, white and not necrotic. When transplanting, leave at least 3-5 mm of the soil ball out of the ground. If the plant appears 'tired' and does not respond to nitrogenous fertiliser, it can be pruned drastically. By working in this way, the plant will be completely renewed in a few weeks, returning to flowering and production. If you decide to use a drip line or perforated hose irrigation system, it is important to keep it at least 10-15 cm away from the collar.