Effect of Takakura Compost Application on the Growth Performance of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplant production frequently faces constraints due to low soil fertility and improper nutrient management, resulting in suboptimal plant performance. This study investigated the effect of Takakura compost on the growth, flowering, and yield performance of four eggplant varieties (purple, green, white, and finger-shaped). The experiment was conducted using a factorial design with four compost doses (0, 190, 380, and 570 g/polybag) and analyzed through ANOVA followed by HSD at 5%, with three replications to ensure randomization validity. Compost application significantly improved plant height, flowering time, fruit set, and yield attributes; however, certain variables demonstrated non-significant varietal × compost interactions. The highest plant height (48.91 cm) and earliest flowering time (30 days) were recorded at 570 g/polybag in purple, green, and white varieties. Fruit set reached 86.33% in purple and white eggplants, and the highest fruit number was 13 fruits/plant with a corresponding fruit weight of 2065.67 g (82.6 t/ha). In contrast, finger-shaped eggplant produced lower yields across treatments. Overall, Takakura compost at 570 g/polybag enhanced eggplant growth and productivity, particularly in purple, white, and green varieties, while interaction variations among varieties should be taken into account.