ISHS Acta Horticulturae 366: II Symposium on Protected Cultivation of Solanacea in Mild Winter Climates
THE RESPONSES OF TOMATO AND EGGPLANT TO DIFFERENT MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURES |
| Authors: | D. Romano, C. Leonardi |
| Keywords: | vegetative growth, fruiting |
| Abstract:
The effects of three minimum air temperature levels on vegetative growth and fruiting of tomato and eggplant (normal and parthenocarpic cultivars) have been studied. The three levels were realised in plastic greenhouses by fixing their heating system set points at 9, 11 and 13°C. The achieved temperature conditions did not affect the above-ground vegetative growth in tomato, whereas the lower minimum temperature levels reduced or delayed the fruiting process. In eggplant, on the contrary, both vegetative and fruit growth were negatively affected by the lower minimum temperatures. The response of the parthenocarpic and normal cultivars to the temperature conditions was similar. In short the results show that tomato and eggplant, although considered to have similar thermal requirements, respond differently to cold conditions. | |
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