Influence of Planting Density on the Growth and Yield of Garden Egg (Solanum melongena) in Benue State

Garden egg (Solanum melongena) is a nutritious and commercially valuable vegetable crop widely grown across the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, including Benue State. Optimizing planting density is essential for maximizing productivity and land use efficiency, particularly among smallholder farmers with limited land resources. This study examines the influence of four planting densities (30x30 cm, 45x45 cm, 60x60 cm, and 75x75 cm) on the vegetative growth and yield of garden egg in Makurdi, Benue State. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2023 planting season. Parameters assessed include plant height, canopy spread, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and total yield per hectare. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test. Results show that plants spaced at 60x60 cm produced the highest total yield per hectare, while those at 30x30 cm had the lowest individual fruit weight due to competition. The study recommends a spacing of 60x60 cm for optimum garden egg production in Benue State agroecological conditions. These findings provide practical agronomic guidance for extension officers and vegetable farmers in North Central Nigeria seeking to improve productivity with minimal inputs. Keywords: garden egg, planting density, Solanum melongena, yield, Benue State