Effects of irrigation rhythm on growth,fruit-set,yield and quality of egg plant (Solanum melongena) in southern France

Summary Responses of egg plant crop to 3 irrigation rhythms based on the daily potential evapotranspiration were investigated. Results showed that the shorter the rhythm (5 times per week) the better the plant growth expressed in terms of plant length (Fig. 2) and/or yield shown as fruit number (Fig. 3) or fruit fresh weight (Fig. 4). The twice per week rhythm gave the medium, whereas the 10 days one gave the least plant growth and yield. Also the frequent rhythm (5 times per week) gave an earlier crop presented as flower-setting (Table 2).The three rhythms did not show an effect on crop quality expressed as mineral content of leaf blades, petioles or fruits. But results showed that leaf blades usually have higher mineral content than the fruits especially with the micro elements. re]19750305