Effects of UV stabilised polyethylene (UV + PE), I R absorbers polyethylene (IR + PE), double layers of polyethylene (D-Poly) and single layer of polyethylene (PE), as greenhouse covers, on aubergine growth, productivity and energy requirement were investigated in a late autumn season (2001). The late and final yields of plants grown in D-Poly houses were higher than those grown in UV + PE, IR + PE and PE. Light transmission was the highest in PE, intermediate in UV + PE and IR + PE, and the lowest in D-Poly houses. Relative humidity was the highest in D-Poly, intermediate in IR + PE and UV + PE, and the lowest in PE houses. The plants in D-Poly houses grew and developed faster (more leaves and flowers) than those in IR + PE, UV + PE and PE houses. Plant growth and development in UV + PE and IR + PE houses was similar. Economic analyses showed that aubergine production was economically viable in D-Poly, UV + PE and IR + PE houses. For aubergine production in climatic conditions similar to Black Sea Region, the D-Poly greenhouse is strongly recommended, because there was a higher productivity and a lower heating requirement in comparison to UV + PE, IR + PE and PE houses. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.