Hydroponics Tuesday

Overview

The purpose of this study is to discover and document the growth differences in eggplant when supplemented with carbon dioxide (produced by a CO2Boost unit) when compared to a control.  Two plants will be used, one supplemented by a CO2Boost unit, the other as a control.  Both plants will be provided an otherwise identical growing environment.

This study is being conducted at the request of CO2Boost, LLC, the manufacturer of the CO2Boost unit. They have provided material support for the study.

Specifics

The plants in used in this study have been grown from seed.  The seed used is "Organic Black Beauty Eggplant", distributed by Botanical Interests.  A total of twelve plants were grown from seed.  The two that were the most equal were selected for the study.  The seedlings were raised in an ebb & flow hydroponic system, using rockwool cubes as a growing medium.  They were started on 02/08/2008.

At the start of the study, the two selected seedlings were transplanted into six inch net pots.  These net pots were filled with hydroton, and placed into individual aeroponic units.

Each plant has been given an equal-yet-independent growing site.  Each plant has been given an single-site aeroponic unit, with an independent reservoir.  The units were built from common materials, as described here.  Each unit has it's own light source, which is independent and dedicated.  The units are surrounded on three sides by 6 mil plastic sheeting.  This sheeting is intended to prevent CO2 from spreading between the independent units.  The front-side is each unit is left uncovered for observation and maintenance access.

The ballast for each plant consists of a Lumatek 400W  (which is capable of both Metal-Halide and High Pressure Sodium lighting).  Each ballast is new from the factory, and has not been used before.  Each plant has a Hydrofarm Radiant reflector.  Each reflector is new, and has not been used before.  The reflectors are suspended by chains, and will be maintained at an equal height.  Throughout the study, both Metal-Halide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs will be used.  Both bulb types are manufactured by Hortilux, and are rated at 400W.  All four bulbs (two of each type) are new, and are unused prior to this study.  For the initial stages of the study, we will use a 13 hour light-cycle with a Metal-Halide bulb.  This will be changed once the plants reach a bloom stage.   Both light ballasts are controlled by the same timer, so that switching times are identical.

The plant with the CO2Boost supplement has the pump's outlet host initially positioned directly over the plant.  This outlet will be moved and expanded as the plant grows

Initial Setup

Both reservoirs were filled with filtered water (via a HydroLogic SmallBoy).  The PPM target for this experiment is 1800.  The pH target for this experiment is 6.0.  These are the ideal conditions for eggplant growth.  The initial formula used for the nutrients was:

• 6 oz. Botanicare Pure Blend Pro Grow
• 2 oz. General Hydroponics Vegan Compost Tea
• 1 oz. Botanicare Liquid Karma
• 1 oz. Botanicare Cal-Mag

Daily Records

03/30/2008 (Day #1)

Initial setup.  PPM in both reservoirs has been raised to 1800 by adding our initial nutrient mix.  Original pH was 6.9, but has been lowered to 6.3.  We will lower the pH again tomorrow, as we do not wish to shock the plants with too much acid in the water.  Each plant is approximately 3" tall.  Both plants are nearly identical in size and leaf structure.

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 6.9
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: 15ml pH down to both plants.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Close-Up View: 

03/31/2008 (Day #2)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.8
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: 5ml pH up to both plants.

04/01/2008 (Day #3)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 6.0
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None

04/02/2008 (Day #4)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.9
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None
• Observations: As expected, the water level has lowered slightly.  By definition, this will cause a raise in PPM.  The meter that we use (a Bluelab Truncheon) is only sensitive in increments of 50.  Therefore, the change isn't visible yet.  However, we will plan to add fresh water once the change is measurable.

04/03/2008 (Day #5)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.8
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: 5ml pH up to both plants.

04/04/2008 (Day #6)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.9
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None
• Observations: I am very pleased at the rate of evaporation.  Since the start of the experiment, less than 3/32" of water has been lost.  This assists in the stability of the PPM.

04/05/2008 (Day #7)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.9
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None

04/06/2008 (Day #8)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.9
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: Sprayed both plants with neem oil mixture, as a pest preventative.  Neem oil has no effect on growth, only as a pest preventative.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison (100% crop from overview):

Close-Up, Supplemented Plant:

Close-Up, Control Plant:

04/07/2008 (Day #9)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.8
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: 5ml pH up to both plants.

04/08/2008 (Day #10)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.8
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: 5ml pH up to both plants.
• Observations: It's odd that the pH stayed at 5.8, even with the addition of the pH increaser on the previous day.  Our target is 6.0.  If we don't see larger movements, we'll move to 10 ml dosage.

Unplanned Photo, 24mm side-by-side:

04/09/2008 (Day #11)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 5.8
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: 10ml pH up to both plants.
• Water loss is still doing very well.  Only about 1/4" total has been lost since the start.  At this point, we may make it to the next water change without needing to add additional water.

04/10/2008 (Day #12)

• Temperature: 66 F
• Tested pH: 6.1
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None

04/11/2008 (Day #13)

• Temperature: 68 F
• Tested pH: 6.1
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None

04/12/2008 (Day #14)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Water Change: Both reservoirs drained and filled with filtered water.  Both reservoirs stabilized at 1750 PPM with our original nutrient mix (6 oz Pure Blend Pro Grow, 2 oz Vegan Compost Tea, 1 oz Cal Mag, 1 oz Liquid Karma). We adjusted the pH to 6.0.

04/13/2008 (Day #15)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 6.0
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: Sprayed neem oil suspension as a proactive pest control on both plants.  Additionally, the CO2Boost outlet has been fitted with a splitter tee, so the plant now has two CO2 outlets.
• Observations: The supplemented plant is visibly larger, with larger and fuller leaves.  Although both plants are healthy, the plant supplemented by CO2Boost has visibly grown more since the start of the experiment.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison (100% crop from overview):

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

Close-Up, Supplemented Plant:

Close-Up, Control Plant:

04/14/2008 (Day #16)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 6.0
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: None

04/15/2008 (Day #17)

• Temperature: 68 F
• Tested pH: 6.0
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: None

04/16/2008 (Day #18)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 6.0
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None

04/17/2008 (Day #19)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 5.7
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: Added 10ml pH increaser to both reservoirs.
• Observations: I'm not sure the cause of the unexpected drop in pH.   However, it was still easily within the safe range for the plants.

04/18/2008 (Day #20)

• Temperature: 68 F
• Tested pH: Supplemented plant, 5.7.  Control plant, 5.8.
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: Added 10ml pH increaser to supplemented plant.  Added 5ml pH increaser to control plant.
• Observations: This is the first day that the reservoir pH did not match. It's likely that the greater growth activity on the supplemented side caused the difference.

04/19/2008 (Day #21)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 5.7
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: Added 15ml pH increaser to both plants.

04/20/2008 (Day #22)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 5.7
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison (100% crop from overview):

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

Close-Up, Supplemented Plant:

Close-Up, Control Plant:

04/21/2008 (Day #23)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 5.7
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: Added 15 ml pH increaser to both reservoirs

04/22/2008 (Day #24)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 6.0
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: None

04/23/2008 (Day #25)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 5.7
• Tested PPM: 1800
• Alterations: Added 15ml pH increaser to both reservoirs.  Topped up water to 1750 PPM.

04/24/2008 (Day #26)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 6.5
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: Added 10ml pH decreaser to both reservoirs.  Additionally, reconfigured CO2 tubing for delivery.
• Observations: Previous day's measurements and adjustments were inaccurate.  When tested, pH meter was found to be inaccurate and was recalibrated. Although 6.5 was unintended, it is still within a safe range.  Lowering at a measured rate.

04/25/2008 (Day #27)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 6.0
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: None

04/26/2008 (Day #28)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 6.1
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: None

04/27/2008 (Day #29)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Water Change: Both reservoirs drained and filled with filtered water.  Both reservoirs stabilized at 1700 PPM with new nutrient mix (6 oz Pure Blend Pro Bloom, 2 oz Vegan Compost Tea, 1 oz Cal Mag, 1 oz Liquid Karma). We adjusted the pH to 6.0.
• Alterations: Changed out the spray heads.  Previously, the spray heads were 360 degree models.  Now, they are 180 degree models.  The spray is more targeted, and the overall pressure is higher as a result.
• Observations: Although both plants are fairly large at this point, the supplemented plant is decidedly fuller.  Additionally, the supplemented plant has just had it's first flower.  It is still small, and we have not yet fertilized it.  The control plant has not yet had a bloom.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison (100% crop from overview):

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

04/28/2008 (Day #30)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 6.1
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: Changed out the grow bulbs from Metal Halide to High Pressure Sodium.  Light schedule has been reduced from 13 hours to 11 hours per day.

04/29/2008 (Day #31)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 5.7
• Tested PPM: High (Supplemented) / 1750 (Control)
• Alterations: Added 15ml pH increaser to both reservoirs.  Topped up water in supplemented plant to 1750 PPM.
• Observations: First flower is visible on control plant. It also is still too small to fertilize.

05/01/2008 (Day #33)

• Temperature: 79 F
• Tested pH: 5.5 (Supplemented), 5.8 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: Added 20ml pH increaser Supplemented, 15ml ph increaser to Control.

05/02/2008 (Day #34)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Tested pH: 5.9 (Supplemented), 5.7 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: Recalibrated pH meter.  Added 20ml pH increaser to Control.

05/03/2008 (Day #35)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 5.9 (Supplemented), 6.1 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750
• Alterations: None

05/04/2008 (Day #36)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Supplemented), 6.2 (Control)
• Tested PPM: Supplemented 1750, Control 1800
• Alterations: None

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison (100% crop from overview):

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

05/05/2008 (Day #37)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Supplemented), 6.3 (Control)
• Tested PPM: Supplemented 1750, Control 1800
• Alterations: Added 10ml pH decreaser to Control.

05/06/2008 (Day #38)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added water to Control to decrease PPM to 1750.

05/07/2008 (Day #39)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 6.3 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 15ml pH decreaser to both reservoirs.

05/08/2008 (Day #40)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: None.  However, pH meter was recalibrated.

05/09/2008 (Day #41)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: None.

05/10/2008 (Day #42)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Alterations: Water change... Preventive Hydrogen Peroxide cycle.  2 tsp peroxide per reservoir, otherwise just clear filtered water.  No nutrients will be introduced for two days, as the Hydrogen Peroxide will kill off any beneficial biologicals (until it has all broken down).

05/11/2008 (Day #43)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.4 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 250 (Both, We're in a no-nutrient Hydrogen Peroxide cycle)
• Alterations: Added 20ml pH decreaser to both reservoirs.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison (100% crop from overview):

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

05/12/2008 (Day #44)

• Temperature: 68 F
• Tested pH: 5.7 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 250 (Both, We're in a no-nutrient Hydrogen Peroxide cycle)
• Alterations: None.

05/13/2008 (Day #45)

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 5.9 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 250 (Both, We're in a no-nutrient Hydrogen Peroxide cycle)
• Alterations: None.

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 250 (Both, We're in a no-nutrient Hydrogen Peroxide cycle)
• Alterations: Both reservoirs stabilized at 1750 PPM with new nutrient mix (6 oz Pure Blend Pro Bloom, 2 oz Vegan Compost Tea, 1 oz Cal Mag, 1 oz Liquid Karma).

05/15/2008 (Day #47)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 5.8 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 10ml pH increaser to both reservoirs.

• Temperature: 69 F
• Tested pH: 5.7 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 20ml pH increaser to both reservoirs.

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 5.8 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations:None.

05/18/2008 (Day #50)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 5.6 (Supplemented), 5.7 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 25ml pH increaser to supplemented, 20ml pH increaser to control.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison (100% crop from overview):

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

05/19/2008 (Day #51)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 5.8 (Supplemented), 5.8 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 15ml pH increaser to both.

05/20/2008 (Day #52)

• Temperature: 67 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: None.

05/21/2008 (Day #53)

• Temperature: 68 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Supplemented), 6.2 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Supplemented), 1800 (Control)
• Alterations: Added filtered water to reset control plant to 1750 PPM.

05/22/2008 (Day #54)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.3 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 10ml pH decreaser to both.

05/23/2008 (Day #55)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.3 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: None.
• Observations: Minor Disaster... One of the spray heads on the supplemented plant became turned just enough to spray water out through the hole in the lid (intended for the pump's power cord.  Approximately two gallons of water ended up on the floor.  We needed to disassemble both units to clean up the water.  The plants were moved into a temporary location for the day.  No lighting was run during the day.  In the evening, both units were fully reassembled, with new trays to catch any future escaping water.  Neither plant was damaged by the experience, and the water chemistry stayed constant.

05/24/2008 (Day #56)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: None.

05/25/2008 (Day #57)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.3 (Supplemented), 6.2 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added fresh filtered water to raise water level.  Readjusted PPM to 1750 and pH to 6.0 in both reservoirs.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison:

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

05/26/2008 (Day #58)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Still working on containment on the control plant.  Water is dripping from the front-left corner because of the sprayer position.  Although I wish to secure it permamently, I don't have the angle at a good position yet.  The trays are working wonderfully.

05/27/2008 (Day #59)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 5.7 (Supplemented), 5.9 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Supplemented), 1800 (Control)
• Alterations: Added filtered water to reset control plant to 1750 PPM. Added 15ml pH increaser to supplemented plant.

05/28/2008 (Day #60)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 5.7 (Supplemented), 5.9 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Supplemented), 1800 (Control)
• Alterations: Added 20ml pH increaser to supplemented plant, 15 ml pH increaser to control plant.

05/29/2008 (Day #61)

• Temperature: 70 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Supplemented), 1800 (Control)
• Alterations: Added filtered water to reset control plant to 1750 PPM.

05/30/2008 (Day #62)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: None.

05/31/2008 (Day #63)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: None.

06/01/2008 (Day #64)

• Temperature: 74 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: Water change.  Both reservoirs stabilized at 1750 PPM with nutrient mix (6 oz Pure Blend Pro Bloom, 2 oz Vegan Compost Tea, 1 oz Cal Mag, 1 oz Liquid Karma).
• Observations: The control plant has several small eggplants ripening.  The largest is approximately 2" in diameter, and will probably be ready for harvest next week.  The supplemented plant also has several small eggplants, but they are younger.  The largest has a diameter of approximately 1", and is probably two weeks from harvest.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison:

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

06/02/2008 (Day #65)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Tested pH: 6.2 (Supplemented), 6.1 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 15 ml pH decreaser to supplemented plant.

06/03/2008 (Day #66)

• Temperature: 74 F
• Tested pH: 5.8 (Supplemented), 5.7 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 20 ml pH increaser to control plant.

06/04/2008 (Day #67)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Tested pH: 5.7 (Supplemented), 5.8 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 20 ml pH increaser to both.

06/05/2008 (Day #68)

• Temperature: 74 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: None.
• Observations: Four eggplants are growing on the control plant.  Two eggplants are growing on the supplemented plant.  We estimate that the first eggplant will be ready for harvest in about 7-10 days (one on each plant).

06/06/2008 (Day #69)

• Temperature: 76 F
• Tested pH: 6.2 (Supplemented), 6.1 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 10ml pH decreaser to supplemented plant.  Also, we adjusted the chains on the 400W lights.  The control plant was getting too close to the lights, so they were raised roughly 8" from their previous position.  The change will be visible in this week's upcoming photos.

06/07/2008 (Day #70)

• Temperature: 75 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1800+ (Both)
• Alterations: None.

06/08/2008 (Day #71)

• Temperature: 74 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1800+ (Both)
• Alterations: Partial water change.  Added fresh filtered water.  More wateris being consumed these days, as the plants are much larger and are producing fruit.  Added Botanicare Pure Blend Pro Bloom to raise PPM to 1700.  Balanced the pH of each reservoir to 6.0.  Added support roping to both plants.

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison:

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

Largest Fruit (Supplemented Plant):

Largest Fruit (Control Plant):

06/09/2008 (Day #72)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Tested pH: 5.7 (Both)
• Tested PPM: 1700 (Both)
• Alterations: Added 20ml pH increaser to both reservoirs.

06/10/2008 (Day #73)

• Temperature: 72 F
• Tested pH: 6.0 (Supplemented), 5.9 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1700 (Both)
• Alterations: None.

06/11/2008 (Day #74)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Supplemented), 6.0 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1700 (Both)
• Alterations: None.

06/12/2008 (Day #75)

• Temperature: 71 F
• Tested pH: 6.1 (Supplemented), 6.0 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1700 (Both)
• Alterations: None

06/13/2008 (Day #76)

• Temperature: 74 F
• Tested pH: 6.2 (Supplemented), 6.1 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1750 (Both)
• Alterations: None

06/14/2008 (Day #77)

• Temperature: 73 F
• Tested pH: 6.4 (Supplemented), 6.2 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: None

06/15/2008 (Day #78 - Harvest Day)

• Temperature: 74 F
• Tested pH: 6.4 (Supplemented), 6.3 (Control)
• Tested PPM: 1800 (Both)
• Alterations: None

Overview (supplemented plant on left, control plant on right, 18mm):

Cropped Side-By-Side Comparison:

Angled Side-By-Side Comprison:

Fruit Comparison (Control on left, Supplemented on right):

Observations: Both plants produced healthy fruit.  Although the control plant had more eggplants ready to pick, more were on the way from both plants.

Final Thoughts:

The study was completed on 06/15/2008, after 78 days of monitored progress.  The study was discontinued at the first harvest, as further monitoring would be unlikely to produce any new or interesting findings.

I'm not sure quite how to react to this study's results.  Although the environment was carefully controlled, there were a few differences that we were unable to completely control.  The two most "equal" plants were selected at the beginning of the study.  Although it was beyond our capabilities, a greater sample-size of plants would have been beneficial to the study.

Early growth seemed to heavily favor the supplemented eggplant.  On day #15, the supplemented plant appeared to have a commanding lead over the control plant.  However, over time, the control eggplant began to overtake the supplemented plant.  The control plant eventually grew larger than the supplemented plant.  The control plant passed each milestone first.  It was the first to flower.  It was the first to form a fruit.  In the end, it produced more viable fruit as well.

Although I do not wish to contradict the results of the study, I suspect that a genetic difference in the plants may have caused the discrepancies.  The supplementation of mild carbon dioxide should never be detrimental to plant growth.  In theory, even if the CO2Boost unit were not functioning; one would expect a more equal result.  As stated before, a larger sample of plants would have been helpful.  However, since these plants grow quite large, it was beyond our reach to perform the experiment with several of each plant.