White eggplants, with the scientific name Solanum melongena, are grown worldwide for their edible fruits. They have pure white or cream-colored skin and their flesh is creamy white, less acidic and less bitter than the purple variety. The fruits are also smaller than purple eggplants; they are about three to six inches long and egg- or pear-shaped. These plants contain nutrients including potassium and vitamins A, C and B. They are also prone to diseases and conditions that cause yellowing leaves or fruits.
Common causes of white eggplant turning yellow
The fruits are overripe
White eggplants may turn yellow because they have been left too long and have become overripe. The flesh becomes mushy and bitter once they become too ripe, while the skin becomes glossy.
To solve this issue, you should know the right time to harvest the fruits. Pick them before their skin turns yellow, using pruning shears or a sharp knife, and keep a short stub of stem attached.
Pest infestation
Pests like flea beetles could invade and feed on white eggplants. They destroy foliage and seedlings, causing leaves and fruits to turn yellow.
To exterminate these pests, spray the affected plants with insecticidal soap solution or a solution of rubbing alcohol and water.
Sunburn
If you are in an area with high temperatures, the plants may become sunburned from too much exposure to sunlight. To spare your plants from turning yellow, cover them with a garden cloth. If you keep them in containers, place them in a shady spot during the hottest time of the day.
Fungal growth or viruses
Fruits and leaves of white eggplants tend to turn yellow if they have a fungal infection like Verticillium wilt or early blight. Viruses, transmitted by pests, could also cause yellow circles or spots.
Prune the plants and apply fungicide to ward off fungal infections. See to it that there is proper air circulation around the plants to discourage fungal growth, and practise crop rotation. Viral infections are usually incurable, and you need to destroy and dispose of the infected plants at once to avoid any spread of infection to other plants.
Irregular watering
White eggplants could also turn yellow due to irregular watering. Plants that do not get enough water may become stressed and start wilting and yellowing.
To solve the problem, apply at least two to four inches of organic mulch and water the plants regularly, ideally in the morning.
Nitrogen deficiency
A nitrogen deficiency in the soil could be the cause of your white eggplants turning yellow. To check for this, you need to do a soil test. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, should correct it.
If the soil pH is too high or too low, the plants may not be able to utilize the nitrogen, so the soil pH should be tested along with nutrient levels.
White eggplant care
White eggplants are cold-sensitive, so before you plant them outdoors make sure that the soil is warm and there is no danger of frost. Plant the eggplants where there is full sun and good drainage to discourage fungal growth. Plant them at least 24 to 36 inches apart for good air circulation and for sufficient sunlight to reach all the foliage. Be sure to water them weekly and prune them regularly to increase fruit production.
Can you eat eggplant that has turned yellow?
Yes, you can eat eggplants if they have turned yellow, as the fruits are edible regardless of color. However, those that are yellow because they are overripe may not have the best taste compared with those picked at the peak of ripeness.
Why is my eggplant turning white?
White eggplant leaves turning white, or with white powdery spots, may have powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease. The white spots will gradually spread over most areas of the leaves and stems. Affected leaves may become distorted, turn yellow, die and fall off, exposing the fruits to sunburn.
Conclusion
White eggplants are pear- or egg-shaped, and usually have tougher skin and less bitter flesh than the purple variety. If your white eggplant is turning yellow, it could be due to overripening or sunburn, as well as pest infestation, fungal or viral infections, or nitrogen deficiency.
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