The Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU) will release a new grafted technology in brinjal for increasing the yield in the crop. The brinjal plant is being grafted with ‘sundaikai,’ which doubles the yield.
The Department of Vegetables and Crops of the Horticultural College and Research Institute of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has tested the grafted technology in multi-location fields and large scale demonstration at various districts across the state. “Different species of brinjal are cultivated in various parts of the state. The grafting technology was applied for each and every local variety – all with ‘sundaikai’ at all demonstration plots,” says K. Kumanan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Horticulture of the college.
The grafting technology brought about multiple advantages. Primarily, it resulted in extension of the life of the brinjal plant. From six months, its life got extended to one year ensuring yield round the year. Secondly, the yield per plant doubled from 5 kg to 10 kg. Most importantly, the crop was protected from pest attack and diseases.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The abundant availability of ‘sundaikai’ is another advantage of the grafting process,” he said. Sundaikai is free from any pest attack or disease, he added.
The TNAU would release the variety during January, he added.