Interactions between floral morphology, position in cluster and 2,4-D treatments in three eggplant cultivars

Abstract

The effects of treatments with 2,4-dichloro-phenoxy-acetic-acid (2,4-D), 2.5 mg l −1, on the 4 different flower types in 3 eggplant cultivars with different flowering patterns were investigated. Varietal responses in fruit set were recorded, but fruit weight was increased considerably in all cultivars treated. Stylar heteromorphism affected fruit set more than did the position of the flower in the cluster. Changes in seed development, induced by environmental factors or by the 2,4-D treatments, were recorded and their relations to fruit development evaluated.