The containers were placed directly on the soil surface in a spacing 80 × 30
cm. The experimental unit was a plot of a 2.4 m2 surface (10 plants, i.e. 40 plants
per treatment). Plants were leaded with strings tied to transversal wires 2.5 m
above the ground. Fertilizer application rate was based on typical recommendations
for greenhouse eggplant growing. The fertility status of the substrate was
determined by monthly soil analysis. The frequency and duration of fertilization
were varied according to the season as well as plant and soil status. Plants were
transplanted 16 March 1999, 23 February 2000, and 06 March 2001. The air temperature
in the greenhouse was maintained at 262°C during the day and 191°C
during the night, and RH at 80%. Fruits were harvested once a week, after reaching
size and colour sufficient for marketing, from 01 June to 07 September 1999,
31 May to 11 September 2000, and 31 May to 11 September 2001.
The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design in four replications.