The response of Solanum melongena L. to different phosphorus levels and sowing dates

In order to harvest potential yield of eggplant and to find a suitable sowing time and phosphorus level for eggplant, an experiment was conducted at Ornamental Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar in February 2013. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block (RCB) design with split plot arrangements. There were two factors i.e. Phosphorus levels and dates of Sowing. Phosphorus levels were assigned to the main plot while sowing dates were kept in the subplot. The data on Number of branches plant⁻¹, Days to flowering^, Days to fruiting, Number of fruits plant⁻¹ and Yield Plot⁻¹were significantly affected by phosphorus level and date of sowing. While the data on plant height was not significant, and overall results showed that early sowing date (February 25) produced significantly good results as compared to the rest of the sowing dates. Moreover, phosphorus level was also significantly affected the experimental parameters. Phosphorus level (70 kg ha⁻¹) produced significantly best results in all the parameters followed by Phosphorus level (100 kg ha⁻¹) in almost all the parameters. Thus it is concluded that early sowing of bringel (eggplants) is recommended with phosphorus level (70 & 100 kg ha⁻¹).