Content
Leaves of eggplant seedlings curl mainly due to errors related to care. For example, this phenomenon is observed with insufficient watering, due to poor lighting, excess or lack of fertilizers. To avoid disruption, it is important to ensure optimal conditions, especially humidity, light and temperature.
Why do the leaves of eggplant seedlings curl?
There are many reasons for leaves curling, but most often they are associated with improper care. For example, eggplants may lack moisture or minerals. The main factors that cause eggplant seedlings to curl their leaves inward are described below.
Excess or lack of moisture
The reason may be due to lack of moisture. Eggplants require regular watering, so even a slight deficiency will cause the leaves to curl. Checking this is quite simple - you can feel the surface layer with your fingers, and if it is dry, you need to immediately give water.
Excess moisture is also dangerous, because this can cause the roots to rot.Prolonged violation of the watering norm sometimes leads to eggplant leaves curling, and the plants themselves may die.
When watering, it is important to consider the type and composition of the soil. If the soil is too light and contains a lot of sand, the water will not be retained and will almost completely go into the pan. Therefore, you should periodically check the condition of the soil - it should remain slightly moist.
Lack of lighting
Eggplants, like other members of the nightshade family (tomato, peppers, potatoes), are very demanding on lighting. Therefore, if a seedling leaf curls, this may also indicate insufficient light.
Since seedlings begin growing in February, natural light is not enough in the first 1.5 months. Therefore, it is necessary to install a fluorescent lamp or phytolamp. The light source is placed at a height of 50-60 cm from the soil surface. As soon as the seedlings grow, the lamp can be raised slightly.
Seedlings are grown in well-lit places
Pest Infestation
The leaves of eggplant seedlings also curl due to pest invasion. It is recommended to take a powerful flashlight and carefully examine the plants. If the leaf not only curls, but is also covered with small cobwebs (especially on the inside), this is a sign of the appearance of spider mites.
The reason may also be related to an aphid infestation. In this case, the pest will be clearly visible in the form of “dots” of black, brown, light or greenish tint.Colonies are always large, so they are easy to spot on shoots and other parts.
Mineral deficiency
If the leaves of eggplant seedlings turn yellow and curl, this probably indicates a deficiency of basic nutrients: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium.
The deficiency of each element has its own characteristics. For example, when there is a lack of phosphorus, the leaf curls upward, the tip becomes at an acute angle. If there is not enough nitrogen, the surface becomes lighter and yellow (chlorosis).
With a potassium deficiency, seedlings grow poorly, spots form on the leaves, after which they wither and fall off. If there is a lack of magnesium, the leaves turn yellow and pale, then dead areas form on the surface. Moreover, the veins remain green.
Soil salinity
If eggplant leaves curl and dry out, the root cause may be soil salinity. This is a violation of the soil composition when fertilizers are added to it in excess quantities for a long time. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions and take measurements using scales and measuring utensils. It should be remembered that it is better to underfeed the seedlings than to overfeed them. The same rule applies to adult plants.
What to do if the leaves of eggplant seedlings curl
If an eggplant leaf wrinkles, you first need to determine the cause:
- Carefully inspect the plants for signs of aphid and other pest infestations.
- Check leaves for spots, light yellow or pale areas. If clear signs of a deficiency of any element are detected, extraordinary feeding is carried out. If necessary, the procedure is repeated until symptoms disappear.
- Test the soil to make sure it is moderately moist.
If the leaves are curling, you first need to inspect the plants and identify the factors that caused this condition.
Further action is taken depending on the established cause. If the eggplant seedling leaf curls due to dry soil, it is necessary to water it with settled water at room temperature. In the first days, the soil is sprayed with a sprayer, then watered with a small stream. Moreover, you need to repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week.
To ensure an optimal level of humidity, it is recommended to cover the seedlings with glass or film with holes. They are periodically removed for ventilation. As soon as the seedlings appear, the shelter can be completely removed. If the eggplant seedling leaf curls and the soil is wet, stop watering for 5-7 days.
To prevent the foliage from becoming deformed, it is necessary to provide regular feeding. Before picking, it is recommended to give an infusion of mullein (1:10) or chicken droppings (1:20). Instead, it is allowed to feed with a complex composition (the amount is given per 10 liters of water):
- ammonium nitrate – 5 g;
- potassium sulfate – 20 g;
- superphosphate – 15 g.
The second time the fertilizer is given after picking (when 2-3 leaves appear). You can use a ready-made complex fertilizer, for example, “Kristalon” or “Osmokot”.
The third time the nutrient mixture is applied a week before transplanting into a greenhouse or open ground. It is necessary to give the following composition (for 3 liters of water):
- potassium salt 10 g;
- superphosphate 15 g.
Regular application of fertilizers ensures rapid growth, plant resistance to disease, and good yield.
To combat insects and ticks, it is recommended to use folk remedies, for example: infusion of wood ash, calendula, celandine, tobacco. If the invasion is widespread, use an insecticide:
- "Decis";
- "Biotlin";
- "Aktara";
- "Fufanon" and others.
When the leaf of eggplant seedlings curls due to saline soil, you need to stop applying fertilizer. But it is difficult to completely solve this problem - it is easier to transplant the seedlings into better soil. And the soil itself must be shed with water, and then add organic matter (compost, humus) and use it the next time.
If you provide good watering, fertilizing and lighting, the leaves will not curl
Preventive measures
The leaves of eggplant seedlings often curl due to improper care. Therefore, it is quite possible to influence most of the reasons described. To avoid such a problem, summer residents recommend paying attention to a few tips.
It is necessary to properly compose the soil. Soil can be purchased at the store or prepared yourself in the fall. To do this, take the following components (ratio 2:1:1:1):
- turf (surface) soil;
- black peat;
- humus or compost;
- river sand.
You should not use fresh manure for the mixture, since due to the high concentration of organic matter, the roots will get burned and the seedlings will die. The soil must first be disinfected. There are several ways to do this:
- Keep in the freezer for several days.
- Pour in a pink solution of potassium permanganate, and then apply a bacterial fertilizer, for example, Rizotorfin.
- Place in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 100 degrees.
Less often, the seedling leaf curls due to the very dense planting. There is a simple way to prevent this phenomenon - picking. Plants are planted after 2-3 true leaves appear. Moreover, it is better to transfer them to peat pots.Thanks to this, during transplantation into the ground there will be no contact with the roots, and the plants will practically not “notice” the movement.
If an eggplant leaf curls, then for prevention, the seedlings can be sprayed with a growth stimulator, for example, Zircon, Epin or Gummi-Omi. This should be done immediately after picking.
Conclusion
If eggplant seedlings have curled leaves, the root cause is often incorrect growing conditions. It is necessary to ensure proper watering, install phytolamps, and regularly fertilize. Then the foliage will be healthy, and the seedlings themselves will grow confidently.
