Problems Eggplants are subject to a number of problems, including diseases, insects and those brought on by weather and other environmental factors. Diseases of eggplants include seed rot and damping-off, anthracnose, late blight, alternaria leaf spot and verticillium wilt. Seed treatment and proper growing conditions can reduce seed rot and damping-off. Insects can also cause damage to eggplants grown in Nebraska. Cutworms may feed on new leaves or cut stems on small plants.
Spider mites can be a problem during hot weather.
Flea beetles, which chew small holes in the leaves of eggplants, can be severe in some years. The Colorado potato beetle can also cause severe damage if left uncontrolled. Insect identification and control recommendations are found in Extension Circular 523, Insect Control Without Synthetic Insectides for Home Grounds and EC 1552, Insecticide Recommendations for Garden Vegetables . These publications are available at the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service Office in your county. Poor performance of eggplants can also be caused by unsatisfactory growing conditions, including improper soil fertility, low temperatures, lack of moisture, lack of light and wind damage.