Productivity of Asian varieties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.), and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in coastal Mississippi

Ethnicity plays a strong role in niche market development, and the market for specialty Asian crops is currently under-served. As Asian populations continue to grow in the southern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast, it is important for producers to recognize this opportunity. Fruits and vegetables desired by the diverse Asian population are often completely unavailable or of poor quality due to shipping distance. This market need can be met by local growers with a greater potential return on investment greater than traditional vegetables. This paper summarizes results of variety trials of Asian vegetables conducted during 2003 -2005 growing seasons at Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center’s Beaumont Horticultural Unit (USDA Hardiness Zone 8a). These trials evaluated yield performance of Asian varieties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under coastal Mississippi environmental conditions. Cucumbers: ‘Natsuhikari’, ‘Tasty Queen’, ‘Crisp Petrel’, ‘Tokiwa’, ‘White Sun’, and ‘Summer Express’; bitter melon: ‘Large Top’, ‘Taiwan Large’, ‘Japan Long’, ‘Thailand Star’ and eggplants: ‘Round Green’, ‘Orient Charm’, ‘Ichiban’, ‘Millionaire’, ‘Green Giant’, ‘Purple Ball’, ‘Kurume’, ‘Purple Excel’, ‘Ping Tung Long’, ‘Mangan’, ‘Long Green’, and ‘Orient Express’ were grown conventionally on raised beds using drip irrigation and plastic mulch. Results indicated that cucumber varieties performed well, though their yield might have been affected by environment conditions. Average total yield and fruit numbers in 2004 were 65.5 and 56.1 % higher, respectively, compared to 2005. Marketable yield of Asian bitter melon varieties ‘Large Top’, ‘Taiwan Large’, and ‘Japan Long’, were higher than ‘Thailand Star’. Total eggplant yield varied greatly among varieties. Total yield of ‘Round Green’ in 2003 was highest compared to all other cultivars.