Factors Affecting Plant Height and Yield of Eggplant

Abstract

ABSTRACT Examination of the interaction of environment and cultural methods will lead to a better understanding of the development of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and contribute to sustained yield. Seedlings were transplanted on 16 April 1991 and 21 July 1992 into soil left bare or treated with black spray-on or black plastic mulch. Plant height, and total and marketable fruit yield were correlated with number of days following transplanting, air temperature (high and low), soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil CO2 levels. In 1991, weekly yields fluctuated, but total marketable yield was not affected by mulching. In 1992, yields were highest on black plastic mulch. Model R2 values for height and yield ranged from 0.607 to 0.971, and 0.503 to 0.962, in 1991 and 1992, respectively. Days following transplanting was generally negatively correlated in 1991, but generally positively correlated in 1992 with plant height and yield. In 1991, air temperature was the most important of the few factors affecting height and yield. In 1992, few factors affected plant height, but many factors interacted to affect yield. Cultural methods that reduce fluctuations and insure sustainability of yield can be developed from this information.