An Eggplant Question

[Zeedman]

I've noticed that phenomenon with my eggplant as well. There are just as many fruits - or even more - but the plants look "tired". That could be caused by age or nutrient depletion; but I suspect the cause is changes in daylength. I believe that as days shorten late in the season, the plant accelerates the ripening phase, to ensure that it produces mature seed... resulting in smaller fruit. When that happens this year, I'll prune off the excess fruits, to see if that makes a difference.