A vast amount of the aubergines grown in Spain are cultivated in plastic greenhouses. 90 percent of this takes place in the ground. These greenhouses are usually between 2 and 3 metres tall and do not have heating. The average area per company is around 2.5 hectare, but there are large differences. Chiefly within corporations where they are some times as large as 30 or 40 hectare. Around half of the aubergines are supplied via auctions. The largest portion, around 60 percent of the products, are exported to France. Other important export countries are Germany and England.
Two planting periods
The covered aubergine crops have two planting periods in Spain: from August until the middle of September and from the end of February through May. The acreage was around 1,800 hectare last winter, but growers received bad prices for their products. As a result, many growers switched over to other crops such as peppers and courgettes. It is estimated that around 20 percent less aubergines were planted than usual. The GMMV virus and downy mildew were the largest threats to the crops last season. Ever since Spain switched over to organic plant protective agents in large numbers a few years ago, it has been a challenge to control downy mildew without turning to chemicals. Botrytis also has the potential to be a large problem in Spain, primarily in February when the humidity is high.New root stocks
Grafting still occurs on a small scale with Spanish aubergine crops; this method is only chosen with concrete problems such as Verticilium and nematoden. At this moment, only 15 percent of the total acreage is grafted. Initially, aubergine growers usually chose the typical 'tomato root stocks' but more and more are now using root stocks which have been specifically developed for aubergines. These root stocks ensure a larger yield and crops in better condition.Outdoor cultivation
In Catalonia, Valenica and Seville, small numbers of aubergines are still grown outside, around 100 hectare in total which has a stable acreage. Planting occurs in April and May with harvesting spanning from June to September. When there are bad prices, they are sometimes removed in August. The most important growing issue for these companies is Verticilium, followed by white flies and lice. Grafting can offer a solution, but this doesn't happen very often.
Striped
The striped aubergine is gaining more and more interest, particularly in Mediterranean countries. This is due to its special culinary qualities and this why it has been included in Rijk Zwaan's product line called Sensational Flavours. One hundred percent of the Angela RZ variety is grown in Spain. This variety is well liked, but it does produce a lower quality product in December and January. This is why new varieties are being tested so that supermarkets can carry this speciality all year-round in their assortment.Source: Seeds & Services Aubergine, Rijk Zwaan