Soil amendment using oxygenated peptone for quantitative and qualitative enhancement in the yield of origanically grown brinjal

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L. cv. Ajay) seedlings were grown organically using pot culture. Soil was amended organically using oxygenated peptone (containing oxygen, peptone and silicate based inert filler compound) for soil conditioning. The effect of this treatment was studied on morphology of flowering and fruiting and on biochemical constituents, mineral contents and enzyme activity of fruit. The treatment resulted in quantitative increase in yield in terms of early flowering, increased fruit set, better fruit size and doubled yield. It also exhibited qualitative enhancement in the nutritious status with higher level of fiber content, soluble proteins, total carbohydrates and vitamin C. The analysis of minerals in fruit showed increase in total nitrogen, total potash, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese and decrease in total phosphorus, sodium and zinc. The enzyme activity of catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase was improved. Better shelf life, superior taste and better shining of fruit increased its marketability. So it is concluded that soil amendment with oxygenated peptone is an eco - friendly, easy technique, useful for enhancing quantity and quality of yield in organically grown brinjal.