Seasonal change of fruit setting in eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) caused by different climatic conditions

Abstract

Climatic changes induced a seasonal variation in the fruit setting ability of eggplant flowers (Solanum melongena L.). A path analysis indicated that this fruit setting ability was affected neither by the natural light duration nor by the relative humidity, but mainly by the average maximum temperature and precipitation during the first 5 days after the flowers opened. The effects of maximum temperature and precipitation on fruit setting are separate and additive. The results are useful for designing a better production schedule.