Abstract :
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most important solanaceous crop. It is mainly used as a
vegetable. It naturally propagates via seeds, however, some seeds are sensitive to light and susceptible to
germination.The quality of the seedling is very important,as it affects the subsequent well-being of
theplant.This study aims to improve eggplant seedling production by manipulating the shade levels of the
greenhouse (control[without shade], 30% shade, 50% shade, and 70% shade).The experimental design
usedwas a factorial experiment (with randomized complete block design) in nine replicates for germination
percentage and germination time, and four replicatesfor other seedling.
The results indicated that the shade treatments had no significant effect on germination,instead, they
significantly affected the total leaf area, leaf number, seedling height and seedling weight, all of which are
directly proportional to the shade levels.However, shade levels and chlorophyll content, stem diameter and
the percentage of dry matter were inversely related to shade levels.The findings confirmed that shade
treatments results in anoptimal condition for eggplant seedling productionin a greenhouse in the tropical
regions.
Keyword :
Shading, Seedlings, Greenhouse, Eggplant.