EFFECT OF PRUNING AND NPK FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON EGGPLANT PLANT GROWTH AND YIELD (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a horticultural plant that contains many health benefits because it can lower blood cholesterol, contains anti-cancer substances, and is a contraceptive (N). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pruning and giving NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of eggplant plants. This study was conducted in Batuplat Village, Kupang City from October to November 2024. The study used a randomized block design (RAK) factorial pattern. There are two factors, namely, Factor I consists of 2 levels, namely P0 Without pruning and P1 Pruning. Factor II: NPK fertilizer (N) consists of 4 levels, namely N0 Without NPK fertilizer, N1 NPK fertilizer dose 10 g plant-1 N2 NPK fertilizer dose 15 gr plant-1 N3 NPK fertilizer dose 20 gr plant-1 The results obtained showed that pruning and giving NPK fertilizer had a significant effect on the height of eggplant plants. Treatment of NPK fertilizer dosage of 20 gr plant-1 (P1N3) resulted in eggplant plant height of 84.99 cm, leaf area of ​​285.3, number of fruits of 96, fruit weight of 798 gr, interaction between pruning treatment and NPK fertilizer dosage of 20 gr per plant (P1N3) gave the best results for eggplant.