Eggplant care - Ask Extension
Hello. I’m growing eggplants in a container garden for the first time this summer and have quite a few growing! However, I’ve noticed a few proble...
Knowledgebase
Eggplant care #880363
Asked August 06, 2024, 9:07 AM EDT
Hello. I’m growing eggplants in a container garden for the first time this summer and have quite a few growing! However, I’ve noticed a few problems with one plant: a young eggplant has a few holes on one side maybe as if a bite were taken out, but I want to make sure it isn’t a disease issue. Second, while the leaves of the plant are green, the stems have a fuzzy white substance that can be brushed off. What is this? And is it damaging the plant? Thank you!
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
This doesn't look like a disease issue, and we agree that something might have nibbled on the fruit as it was ripening. (We can't tell what...maybe mammals like a squirrel, maybe a slug/snail before the damage calloused-over, and maybe insects.) A barrier like wire caging (netting would work too, but would block pollinator access) might discourage future nibbles if a mammal is responsible. Given the ongoing drought, many are thirsty and may bite into fruits for moisture. You can use the fruit pictured if it's ripened enough; just cut off the portion with animal damage.
The fuzz on the stem and young leaves is normal for eggplants, so that's okay, and the stem pictured looks normal.
Miri
The fuzz on the stem and young leaves is normal for eggplants, so that's okay, and the stem pictured looks normal.
Miri
