Effects of Air and Soil Temperatures on Colour of Eggplant Fruits (Solanum melongenaL.)

Abstract

SUMMARYColour development in fruits of dark purple eggplant cultivars was greatly influenced by temperature conditions. During the cool season, colour development was much slower than during the hot season, corresponding to slower fruit growth and much lower final weight. There were varietal differences in seasonal influence on the distribution of various colour shades, both during fruit growth and at harvest. Soil heating during the cool season improved fruit colour.