Leaf gas exchange rates of grafted and non-grafted eggplant hybrids were compared under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in a plastic house (7m in width, 40 m in length and 3 m in height), covered with 100 micrometros plastic film. Hybrids Napoli and Kokuyo were grafted on the Taibyo VF hybrid, a specific rootstock for eggplant grafting. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with four treatments (non-grafted Napoli hybrid; grafted Napoli hybrid; non-grafted Kokuyo hybrid and grafted Kokuyo hybrid) and ten replications. Net CO2 assimilation (A) and transpiration (E) rates, stomatal conductance (g s) and water use efficiency (EUA) were measured at 09:00; 12:00; 14:00 and 16:00 h on a non-cloudy day with photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) of 937±126 mmol m-2 s-1, with a close photosynthesis system, IRGA, LI-6200 (LI-COR). Results showed that Kokuyo hybrid presented greater A, E, g s and EUA when compared to Napoli hybrid. None of the hybrid's photosynthetic capacities were affected by the grafting, but the same caused lower E and g s on both hybrids, leading to greater EUA, which in practice may result in less water demand.
Solanum melongena L.; photosynthesis; transpiration; hybrid
