LAUSR

A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the physiological response of eggplant stomatal resistance (rs) and yield to different deficit irrigation levels using surface and subsurface drip methods under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Treatments consisted of surface (SDI) and subsurface drip (SSDI); 3-day and 6-day irrigation frequencies (IF3, IF6); and full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigations (DI50, DI75) and partial root-zone drying (PRD50). Irrigation systems, frequencies and levels produced significantly different eggplant yields. IF3FI treatment produced the greatest yield in the experimental years and followed by IF3DI75. The results revealed that 3-day interval resulted in significantly greater yields than 6-day frequency. Water deficit in the root-zone decreased fresh eggplant yield drastically and IF6PRD50 produced the lowest yield. Smaller rs values were observed in FI treatment in SDI and SSDI systems under 3-day frequency than deficit irrigated and 6-day frequency plots. Significant relationships among rs and yield, dry matter yield, SWC, ET, and LAI were obtained. A value of 60 s m could be considered as the threshold to regulate rs for high eggplant yield. Therefore rs could be utilized for scheduling irrigations. The rs response to water stress can be used for sustainable crop production in water scarce regions.