Abstract
‘Mizunasu’ eggplants were grown in heated plastic houses kept at the minimum air temperature of 14°C, 16°C and 18°C. At 14°C, low temperature injuries were observed and marketable yield was remarkably lower than that at 16°C or 18°C. The yield and fruit color at 16°C were similar to those at 18°C. The fruit shape at 16°C was slightly more slender than that at 18°C. At 16°C, the mesocarp of the fruit was firm and the NaCl permeability into the fruit was decreased compared to that at 18°C. However, the ‘Mizunasu’ eggplant fruit is valued mainly by the appearance (fruit color and shape) in the present markets, so the market value of fruit cultivated at 16°C was similar to that at 18°C. On estimation by yield, the appearance of fruits and the heating cost, the minimum air temperature of 16°C was suitable for ‘Mizunasu’ eggplant production in heated plastic houses.
