Eggplant is an autogamous species (perfect flowers) and with no genetic male-sterility system yet available for commercial use. Therefore, the technology of hybrid seed production is based upon hand emasculation and pollination. The present study aimed to evaluate if the yield and quality of hybrid seeds of eggplant is affected by the number of fruits kept in the plants after controlled pollination. Plants were selected within a production field of hybrid seeds of eggplant 'Ciça' and controlled crosses were performed. The treatments (six plants each) consisted of keeping 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 fruits per plant after controlled hand emasculation and pollination of the flower buds. The following tests and determinations were performed 1) number of seeds per fruit; 2) number of seeds per plant; 3) seed weight per plant; 4) weight of 100 seeds; 5) germination; 6) first count; 7) vigor classification; 8) accelerated aging; 9) cold test and, 10) seedling emergence. The greatest number of seeds per fruit was obtained in plants with six fruits, and the lowest average in plants with 15 and 18 fruits. Seed production and seed weight per plant displayed similar results for all treatments. Plants with 12, 15 and 18 fruits showed higher weight and number of seeds per plant. No statistical differences were observed for the treatments: seed weight, first count, germination and normal seedlings. In the accelerated aging test results indicated that the period of 72 h was more related to the germination test. It is suggested that using 12 fruits per plant would be the most efficient technology in terms of labor force management (hand emasculation and pollination).
Solanum melongena; germination; vigor; pollination
