Shading reduces eggplant growth and photosynthesis, impacting food production.
Shading affects the growth and photosynthesis of eggplant seedlings. Under low light conditions, plant height increases but stem diameter, leaf weight, and chlorophyll levels decrease. Photosynthesis is also reduced, with lower light saturation and compensation points. Net photosynthetic rate peaks at 9:00 and 11:00 under full sunlight, but only at 11:00 under shading. Stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency decrease with shading, while CO2 concentration increases. Overall, shading inhibits eggplant growth and photosynthesis, affecting organ development and reducing photosynthetic capacity.