ISHS Acta Horticulturae 769: XXVII International Horticultural Congress - IHC2006: International Symposium on Asian Plants with Unique Horticultural Potential
GROWING AND FRUITING OF ASIAN EGGPLANT GENOTYPES (SOLANUM MELONGENA L.) UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS IN EUROPE |
| Authors: | M. Böhme, I. Pinker, R. Pietzsch, M. Zude |
| Keywords: | eggplant, aubergines |
| Abstract:
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is of considerably importance in Asia, Africa and Mediterranean countries. The consumption of eggplant in middle Europe is increasing and diversification of eggplant assortment is required. We are studying the behaviour of both native and bred eggplant genotypes under greenhouse conditions to evaluate their productivity potential and to introduce new cultivars to the growers. The Dutch cultivar Ritmo (RZ) and 4 Asian genotypes different in fruit size and colour were investigated using a hydroponical system from March till October. The Asian cultivars were selected based on previous studies because of their ability to grow and fruit under greenhouse conditions in central Europe and their fruit quality. Rockwool slabs were used as substrate. Nutrition solution was calculated with the ‘Hydrofer’ computer program and supplied with drip irrigation based on solar radiation. Radiation values ranged between 80 and 140 J cm-2 d-1. The plant density was 1.9 plants m-2. Ten plants per variant were evaluated. Plants used in this experiment were propagated by seeds (self harvested) or cloned by micropropagation. In this study flowering, fruit set and fruit ripening were evaluated. Fruit development was described with non-destructive methods. The results clearly show that it is possible to grow these Asian genotypes also in temperate regions under greenhouses conditions in hydroponical system with acceptable yield and fruit quality. Cultivation methods like flower thinning and shoot formation will be investigated in future. | |
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