Response of African Eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.) to Foliar Application of 6-Benzylaminopurine and Gibberellic Acid

The influence of foliar application of benzylaminopurine (BAP) and gibberellic acid (GA₃) alone and in combination on quantitative and qualitative yields of Solanum macrocarpon L. ‘Igbagba’ was investigated to increase the production of the vegetable. Treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Analysis of variance showed that treatments had significant (p < 0.05) influence on all parameters measured. Foliar application of 20–40 mg·dm⁻³ of GA₃ alone doubled the shoot heights compared with other treatments. The highest leaf area, fresh shoot weight, dry weight and number of regrowth was observed on plants to which foliar application of 40 mg·dm⁻³ of BAP and 30 mg·dm⁻³ of GA₃ was applied. Combinations of 40 mg·dm⁻³ of BAP and 30–40 mg·dm⁻³ of GA₃ produced the highest quantities of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total phenolics, soluble sugars and soluble protein. Highest moisture, crude protein, crude fat and ash contents were detected when 40 mg·dm⁻³ of BAP and 10–40 mg·dm⁻³ of GA₃ were applied. However, the application of GA₃ alone promoted crude fiber and carbohydrate synthesis. Leaf Na, P, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe had highest quantities when 40 mg·dm⁻³ of BAP was combined with 30–40 mg·dm⁻³ of GA₃. Leaf K was promoted by the application of BAP alone and combination of 40 mg·dm⁻³ of BAP and 10–20 mg·dm⁻³ of GA_3. The highest number of re-growth was observed when 40 mg·dm⁻³ of BAP was combined with 30 mg·dm⁻³ of GA₃. Foliar application of 40 mg·dm⁻³ of BAP and 30 mg·dm⁻³ of GA₃ in combination was suggested for the enhancement of quantitative and qualitative yields of the vegetable.