Content
Eggplant leaves fall in a greenhouse for various reasons. They are mainly associated with improper care. For example, improper watering, deficiency and even excess fertilizer can lead to this problem. To avoid them, it is recommended to follow the basic growing rules described in the article.
Why do eggplant leaves fall off in a greenhouse?
Eggplant leaves may fall off for various reasons. Even when grown in a greenhouse, it is not always possible to create suitable conditions, which is why the plants begin to get sick and lag behind in development. The main negative factors are described below.
Unsuitable soil
Eggplant leaves may fall off due to insufficient quality soil. Plants are quite demanding on the composition and structure of the soil. Chernozems and loose loams with a neutral or slightly acidic pH reaction from 6.0 to 7.0 are optimal for them.
If the site has infertile soil, it is recommended to first dig it up and add humus or compost in the amount of 10 kg per 1 square meter. If the soil has a lot of clay, it is dense, heavy, you will need to add 3-5 kg of sawdust or sand to the same area.
Temperature changes
Eggplants are heat-loving plants; they develop well in the range of 22-28 degrees. In this case, night temperatures should not be below +15. If severe cold snaps are periodically observed, and during the day the air warms up excessively and becomes hot, the leaves will begin to fall off.
Nutritional deficiencies
Due to a lack of macro- and microelements, eggplant leaves may also fall off. This phenomenon is most often observed if the soil is infertile or fertilizers are applied irregularly. As a rule, plants are fed at least three times per season, alternating mineral fertilizers with organic ones. At the first stage, when eggplants gain green mass, they need nitrogen most of all. A deficiency of this element manifests itself very quickly, the main symptoms are:
- pale, yellow leaves;
- growth slowdown;
- shoots become thinner;
- the inflorescences become smaller.
Foliage may fall due to nitrogen deficiency
During the formation of buds and ovaries, eggplants need enhanced potassium-phosphate feeding. With a lack of potassium, the leaves will not fall off, but will acquire a bluish-green, bronze tint. Phosphorus deficiency can be determined by approximately the same signs as nitrogen deficiency.
When applying fertilizing, it is important to observe not only the regularity (every two weeks), but also the dosage. If you systematically violate the instructions, the harm from such care will be greater than the benefit.Over time, the soil will become saline and its pH will change, causing nutrients to be less absorbed. As a result, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and fall off.
Improper watering
The plant may also suffer due to improper watering. When growing in a greenhouse, adjusting the rate is quite simple, since it does not depend on precipitation. It is worth keeping in mind that eggplants are moisture-loving; they need a constant supply of water.
As a rule, watering of young seedlings is planned every three days, and adult bushes - once every 5 days. You should not allow a lack of moisture, as this will cause the leaves to begin to turn yellow and fall off. Excess water is also harmful. Due to increased humidity, plants may suffer from rot and other diseases.
Therefore, when watering, it is recommended to monitor the surface layer of soil. It should remain slightly damp, without drying out completely, much less cracking.
Diseases
Eggplant leaves can also fall off due to disease. When grown in a greenhouse or in open ground, plants may suffer from the following pathologies:
- late blight;
- fusarium wilt;
- spotting;
- verticillium;
- mosaic.
Symptoms of diseases are different. They are generally associated with yellowing or blanching, which causes the foliage to die back and may fall off. The bushes look weakened and lag behind in development. Noticeably fewer ovaries are formed, so the yield decreases.
For prevention, it is recommended to follow the watering norm, periodically ventilate the greenhouse, regularly feed the eggplants and provide water. It is equally important to carry out treatments with fungicides or folk remedies.
Signs of eggplant late blight are visible upon visual inspection
Pests
Leaves may also fall due to pests.The following insects are especially dangerous in a greenhouse:
- aphid;
- thrips;
- spider mites;
- whiteflies.
Some pests are clearly visible to the naked eye. So, upon careful examination, you can see a colony of aphids or whiteflies. Others have microscopic bodies. For example, the spider mite is practically invisible, and it is constantly hiding. But its presence can be determined by the characteristic cobwebs covering the lower surface of the leaves, which can cause them to fall off.
What to do if eggplants drop leaves
It is necessary to organize careful care of eggplants. Give water regularly, at least once every 4-5 days. It is first settled so that the liquid is at room temperature.
Fertilizing is applied regularly at intervals of 2-3 weeks. From organic matter, use mullein infusion 1:10 or dung 1:20, as well as liquid humates. It is useful to alternate them with complex mineral fertilizers, for example, nitrophoska or Kemira Lux.
The soil is regularly loosened and weeded. The greenhouse should be ventilated periodically, especially after watering. Immediately after transplanting the seedlings, it is recommended to treat with Bordeaux mixture or other fungicide.
Prevention measures
Treating plants for diseases and developmental disorders is always more difficult than preventing negative consequences. Therefore, summer residents are advised to observe the following preventive measures:
- Planting density – minimum distance between bushes is 35 cm.
- Shade with white linen in hot weather.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Treat the seeds in a fungicide or a bright pink solution of potassium permanganate.
- Every autumn or spring, treat the surfaces of the greenhouse with any antiseptic.
Regular watering and fertilizing will allow you to get a good harvest.
Conclusion
Eggplant leaves fall in a greenhouse mainly due to improper care. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to properly organize watering and fertilizing. In most regions, eggplants are cultivated in greenhouses, where it is easier to create suitable conditions.
