(23) High Tunnels for High Latitude Snap Bean Production

Two snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars, `Provider' and `Concesa', were planted successionally in a high tunnel in Fairbanks, Alaska (64°49'N and 147°52'W), from late May to late July. For the entire growing season, air/soil temperatures averaged 1.7 °C/1.1 °C higher in the tunnel than the field. The temperature differential was, however, largely dependent on amount of high tunnel ventilation. With tunnel ends not yet erected in May, the air temperature difference averaged 0.5 °C while in September the difference was 2.5 °C in the enclosed tunnel. On average, both cultivars flowered 4 days earlier in the tunnel compared to the contiguous open field. `Provider' had high overall yields with no significant difference between the tunnel and the field, although the tunnel did offer protection from an early frost. `Provider' produced an average of 3454 g·m-2 in the tunnel and 2860 g·m-2 in the field. Average yields of `Concesa' inside the tunnel were significantly greater (P < 0.01), with 1719 g·m-2 compared to 756 g·m-2 in the open field. `Provider' pods were larger in diameter and more fibrous than `Concesa' pods, which we concluded were of improved quality with higher soluble solids content (°Brix refractometer readings). High tunnels could be an important way to provide an advantageous production environment for high quality cultivars without sacrificing the reliability of cold-tolerant cultivars. To consistently produce high quality snap beans to meet local Alaska fresh market demands, cultivars suited for high tunnel production need to be identified.

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Fertilizer Source and High Tunnel Production Environment Affect Antioxidant Levels of Pac Choi

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.41.4.1000d ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 1000D-1001 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xin Zhao ◽

Edward E. Carey ◽

Takeo Iwamoto

Keyword(s):

Open Field ◽

Production Environment ◽

Organic Fertilization ◽

Fertilizer Rate ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Phytochemical Content ◽

Application Rates ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Pac Choi ◽

Field Plots

An experiment was conducted at Olathe, Kan., in Spring 2004 to investigate the influence of organic and conventional fertilizer sources and application rates on antioxidant levels of pac choi (Brassica rapa L. cv. Mei Qing) in open fields and poly-covered high-tunnel plots. Organic plots received pre-plant application of composted cattle manure and alfalfa (Hu-More 1–1–1) at 0 kg/ha N, 156 kg/ha N, or 314 kg/ha N, and conventional plots received preplant application of 13N–13P–13K at 0 kg/ha N, 78 kg/ha N, or 156 kg/ha N. Antioxidant levels were measured using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. There were significant effects of fertilizer source and high-tunnel environment on the antioxidant capacity of pac choi. Organic fertilization significantly increased hydrophilic ORAC of pac choi in open field plots, but not in high tunnels. Regardless of the fertilizer source, pac choi grown in the open field had significantly higher hydrophilic ORAC than that grown in tunnels. Lipophilic ORAC was significantly increased by organic fertilization but was not affected by high-tunnel production. Total ORAC (hydrophilic + lipophilic) was significantly higher in pac choi from organic or open-field plots, compared to conventional and high-tunnel plots, respectively. Although fertilizer rate did not show significant impact on antioxidant level of pac choi, hydrophilic and total ORAC seemed to decrease as the fertilizer rate increased, especially under conventional fertilization, while lipophilic ORAC reached the highest level at the medium fertilizer rate. Differences in antioxidant levels were likely associated with the enhanced phytochemical content of pac choi from organically fertilized and open-field plots.

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High Tunnel and Grafting Effects on Organic Tomato Plant Growth and Yield in the Subtropics

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech04610-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 492-503

Author(s):

Craig J. Frey ◽

Xin Zhao ◽

Jeffrey K. Brecht ◽

Dustin M. Huff ◽

Zachary E. Black

Keyword(s):

Open Field ◽

Total Yield ◽

Organic Production ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Tomato Production ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Field Production

Although grower interest in high tunnel tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production has increased in recent years, systematic high tunnel research conducted in humid, subtropical regions has been limited. The potential of tomato grafting to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses makes it complementary to high-value production systems in high tunnels. In this 2-year study, grafted vs. nongrafted organic tomato production in high tunnels and open fields was investigated to determine possible synergistic effects of these two technologies. In 2016, high tunnels resulted in a significant increase of total and marketable yields, by 43% and 87%, respectively, over open field production. Grafting also significantly increased total and marketable yields over nongrafted plants by 34% and 42%, respectively. Cultivar effects demonstrated greater benefits with the implementation of high tunnel and grafting technologies for ‘Tribute’ (a beefsteak-type tomato) than for ‘Garden Gem’ (a plum-type tomato), as the increase in marketable yield was 33% greater for ‘Tribute’ in high tunnels and 45% greater for ‘Tribute’ with grafting. In 2017, a delayed effective transplanting date and the lack of high tunnel summer season extension produced results that were generally cultivar specific. While grafting increased the total yield of both cultivars (by 18%), marketable yield was increased by grafting only for ‘Tribute’ in high tunnels (by 42%). Additionally, high tunnels improved marketable yield of ‘Tribute’ by 129% but had no effect on ‘Garden Gem’. This demonstrated the consistent trend of the beefsteak-type tomato benefiting more from the combination of high tunnel and grafting technologies than the plum-type tomato. High tunnels reduced fruit decay and cracking by up to 71% compared with open field production. Stink bug (Pentatomidae) damage had the greatest impact on marketable yields each season, reaching 13% and 34% of total yields in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and was unaffected by high tunnel production or grafting. This study revealed the benefits of integrating high tunnel and grafting technologies for enhancing organic production of fresh-market tomato in the humid subtropics, and demonstrated more research is warranted to establish regional planting dates and further optimize this high-value cropping system.

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High Tunnel and Grafting Effects on Organic Tomato Plant Disease Severity and Root-knot Nematode Infestation in a Subtropical Climate with Sandy Soils

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci14166-19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 46-54

Author(s):

Craig J. Frey ◽

Xin Zhao ◽

Jeffrey K. Brecht ◽

Dustin M. Huff ◽

Zachary E. Black

Keyword(s):

Solar Radiation ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Open Field ◽

The United States ◽

Subtropical Climate ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Tomato Production ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels

The U.S. fresh-market tomato industry faces increasing competition from Mexico, which achieves greater productivity and quality due to the use of protected structures. Protected agriculture is limited in humid, subtropical regions of the United States. Although grower interest in high tunnel production has increased in recent years, systematic high tunnel research has not yet been conducted in subtropical Florida. Additionally, although tomato grafting has shown the potential to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses, research of high-tunnel, grafted tomato production in subtropical conditions is lacking. During this 2-year study (Citra, FL), a side-by-side comparison of open field and high tunnel organic tomato production was conducted using a split-split plot design. The most significant benefit of high tunnel production was season extension achieved through the reduction of foliar disease severity, which reduced the area under the disease progress curve by 64% across two seasons. This may be largely attributed to the pronounced reduction in the duration of leaf wetness during the wet months of the growing cycle. Grafting with ‘Multifort’ rootstock reduced the root-knot nematode soil population density by 88% as well as root galling severity, both of which demonstrated the potential for increased levels in the high tunnel production system compared with open field production. The more severe root-knot nematode infestation in high tunnels was likely due to the modification of soil temperatures, which were 2 °C greater during the early part of the season but were reduced after shadecloth application. Compared with the open field, solar radiation was reduced by 23% in the high tunnel before shadecloth application and by 51% after shadecloth application; however, due to the high radiation levels in subtropical Florida, daily light integral levels indicated that light was not limiting for high-quality tomato production. The average wind speed was reduced by 57% in the high tunnel and, together with the reduction in solar radiation, indicated the potential reduction in summer abiotic stress and evapotranspiration within high tunnels. These results revealed that the integrated use of high tunnel and grafting technologies may be important for enhancing fresh-market tomato production in the humid subtropics, especially in organic systems.

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Influence of High Tunnel Production and Planting Date on Yield, Growth, and Early Blight Development on Organically Grown Heirloom and Hybrid Tomato

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.22.4.452 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 452-462 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Mary A. Rogers ◽

Annette L. Wszelaki

Keyword(s):

Open Field ◽

Early Blight ◽

The United States ◽

Planting Date ◽

Organic Production ◽

Local Market ◽

Fresh Market ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Marketable Fruit

High tunnels are rapidly gaining favor from growers in many regions of the United States because these structures extend the growing season and increase quality of high-value horticultural crops. Small to midsized organic growers who sell tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) for the fresh market can benefit from lower disease pressure and higher marketable yields that can be achieved in high tunnels. High tunnels also protect crops from environmental damage and benefit production of heirloom tomatoes as these varieties often have softer fruit and are more susceptible to diseases and cracking and splitting than hybrid varieties. The objective of this study was to determine the impacts of high tunnel production and planting date on heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties by observing differences in plant growth, yield, marketability, and early blight (Alternaria solani) development within an organic production system. This study showed no increase in total yields in high tunnels as compared with the open field, but increased marketability and size of tomatoes, and lowered incidence of defoliation resulting from early blight. Tomato planted earlier in both high tunnels and the open field yielded more marketable fruit during the production season than plants established on later planting dates. Hybrid varieties yielded more marketable fruit than heirloom varieties; however, heirloom tomatoes can have equivalent market value because of greater consumer demand and premium prices attained in the local market.

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Impact of Shade and Fogging on High Tunnel Production and Mineral Content of Organically Grown Lettuce, Basil, and Arugula in Georgia

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture11070625 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 625

Author(s):

Savanah Laur ◽

Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva ◽

Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez ◽

Timothy Coolong

Keyword(s):

Mineral Content ◽

Planting Date ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Lactuca Sativa L ◽

Air Temperatures ◽

Shade Cloth ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Soil Temperatures ◽

Organically Grown ◽

The Impact

This study evaluated the impact of shade cloth and fogging systems on the microclimate at the plant canopy level and yield of basil (Oscimum basilicum L.), arugula (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa L.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) planted in mid-September and early October in high tunnels. Fogging systems were installed at canopy level in plots within shaded (30%) and non-shaded high tunnels. Average air temperatures in the shaded high tunnels were 0.9 °C lower than non-shaded high tunnels during the day. Shade cloth significantly reduced soil temperatures during the day and night periods by 1.5 °C and 1.3 °C, respectively, compared to non-shaded treatments. Fogging systems did not have an impact on air temperature, soil temperature, or relative humidity, but did increase canopy leaf wetness. Shade and fogging did not impact the yield of any of the crops grown. Yield was impacted by planting date, with earlier planting result in higher yields of lettuce and basil. Yields for arugula were greater during the second planting date than the first. Planting date and shade cloth interacted to affect the concentrations of macronutrients.

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Correlation between cultivation methods and quality in some vegetable species

Acta Agraria Debreceniensis ◽

10.34101/actaagrar/49/2550 ◽

2012 ◽

pp. 313-317

Author(s):

Mária Takácsné Hájos

Keyword(s):

Vitamin C ◽

Open Field ◽

Nitrate Nitrogen ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Sugar Accumulation ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Sowing Dates ◽

Cultivation Methods ◽

Late Sowing

Quality parameters of 5 table root varieties were tested on 3 sowing dates with different cultivation methods: open field on 15 April and 9 July 2010 and under plastic tents on 19 August. The highest red pigment content (betanin) was measured in the varieties Akela and Mona Lisa (~ 80 mg 100 g-1) of the second (July) crop. This crop is in general use in Hungary. In comparison, in the late sown varieties (August, under plastics) a further pigment increase (10–20 mg 100 g-1) was observed in the same varieties as related to the earlier sowing dates. Yellow pigments (vulgaxanthins) showed similar trends. Roots of the late sowing date (with harvest in December) contained the highest vulgaxanthin values (103.3–124.18 mg kg-1).Varieties reacted differently to temperature changes during the production period and thus to sugar accumulation. In the second crop (July) higher water soluble solids content was measured on the average of varieties (10.12%) in comparison to the April sowing (7.76%). Beetroots of the spring sowing are recommended for fresh market while the second (July) crop with autumn harvest can satisfy industry requirements. Late sowing under unheated plastic tents supply us with fresh beetroot in late autumn and early winter and prolong the usability of plastic tents. Six lettuce species/subspecies were tested in the open field and under plastic tents in 3 repetitions for nitrate nitrogen, vitamin-C, polyphenol (gallus acid equivalent – mg GAE 100 g-1) and mineral element (Ca, K, Mg, Na) contents. Our measurements showed lower nitrate nitrogen values under plastic than in the open field (89.10± 8.13 and 127.06±14.29 mg kg-1) on the average of genotypes. Lettuce grown in the field had higher vitamin-C content (1.4 mg%) which is nearly 50% more than in plants under plastic. The highest polyphenol content was found in samples from the field with a conspicuous value of 804.17±56.47 mg GAE 100 g-1 in Piros cikória. Samples grown under plastic were richer in mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na) which can be explained by the higher nutrient content of the soil. In this environment superior Mg content was observed in Edivia (4616.33±311.21 mg kg-1). Besides the well- known headed lettuce, Piros cikória (Red chicory),the red leaved Lollo Rossa and Tölgylevel (Oak leaf lettuce) should bementioned which well deserve further testing in order to supply us with nourishing, healthy food.

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Growing Organic Heirloom Tomatoes in the Field and High Tunnels in North Carolina: Comparative Economic Analysis

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.23.2.227 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 227-236 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Olha Sydorovych ◽

Cary L. Rivard ◽

Suzanne O’Connell ◽

Chris D. Harlow ◽

Mary M. Peet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

Economic Analysis ◽

Open Field ◽

Production Systems ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Production Costs ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels

In this study, we conducted an economic analysis of high tunnel and open-field production systems of heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) based on a two-year study at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) located in Goldsboro, eastern North Carolina. The research site was transitional organic using organically certified inputs and practices on land not yet certified. Production costs and returns were documented in each system and provide a useful decision tool for growers. Climatic conditions varied dramatically in 2007 compared with 2008 and differentially affected total and marketable yields in each system. Profits were higher in the open-field system and the high tunnels in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using a range of market prices from $1.60/lb to $3.60/lb and a range of fruit marketability levels from 35% to 80%. Both systems were profitable except at the lowest price point and the lowest percent marketability level in high tunnel in 2007. At $2.60/lb, seasonal average sale price reported by growers for this region, and depending on percent marketability levels, the payback period for high tunnels ranged from two to five years. Presented sensitivity tables will enable decision makers to knowledgably estimate economic potential of open-field and high tunnel systems based on expected local prices and fruit quality parameters.

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High Tunnel Apricot Production in Frost-prone Northern New Mexico

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech04315-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 457-460

Author(s):

Shengrui Yao ◽

Steve Guldan ◽

Robert Heyduck

Keyword(s):

New Mexico ◽

Open Field ◽

Block Design ◽

Fruit Production ◽

Prunus Armeniaca ◽

Market Prices ◽

Spindle System ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

High Yields

Late frost is the number one issue challenging fruit production in northern New Mexico. We had apricot (Prunus armeniaca) trees in an open field planting at Alcalde, NM, and not a single fruit was harvested from 2001 through 2014. Apricot trees in surrounding communities produce sporadic crops. In 2012, we planted apricots in two 16 × 40-ft high tunnels (9.5-ft high point). Trees were trained to a spindle system in one high tunnel and an upright fruiting offshoot (UFO) system in the other, and there were identical plantings in the open field for each high tunnel. Supplemental heating was provided starting at blooming time. There were five cultivars planted in each high tunnel at 4 × 8-ft spacing in a randomized complete block design with two replications (rows) and two trees per cultivar in each plot. In 2015, relatively high yields were obtained from all cultivars. The average yields for the spindle system were (lb/tree): ‘Puget Gold’ (29.0), ‘Harcot’ (24.1), ‘Golden Amber’ (19.6), ‘Chinese Apricot’ (18.6), and ‘Katy’ (16.7). Yields for the UFO system were (lb/tree): ‘Golden Amber’ (18.6), ‘Katy’ (14.9), ‘Puget Gold’ (11.3), ‘Chinese Apricot’ (10.2), and ‘Harcot’ (8.6). On average across all cultivars, the UFO system produced 60% of the yield of the spindle system in 2015. A heating device is necessary for high tunnel apricot fruit production in northern New Mexico because trees normally bloom in early to late March, depending on the year, while frosts can continue until mid-May. In years like 2017 and 2018 with temperatures below 10 °F in late February/early March, some of the expanded flower buds were killed before bloom. On those cold nights, one 100-lb tank of propane may or may not be enough for 1 night’s frost protection. Economically, it would not be feasible in those years. Only in years with a cool spring, late-blooming trees, and mild temperatures in April and May can high tunnel apricot production generate positive revenue with high, direct-market prices. High tunnel apricot production with heating devices is still risky and cannot guarantee a reliable crop in northern New Mexico or similar areas.

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Summer Production of Lettuce, and Microclimate in High Tunnel and Open Field Plots in Kansas

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/hortsci.19.1.113 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 113-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Xin Zhao ◽

Edward E. Carey

Keyword(s):

Open Field ◽

Air Temperature ◽

Meteorological Data ◽

Marked Change ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Daily Maximum ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Horticultural Crops ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Open Fields

High tunnels have been shown to be a profitable season-extending production tool for many horticultural crops. Production of cool-season vegetables during the hot summer months represents a challenge to market growers in the midwestern United States. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the microclimate and production of eight leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars in high tunnels and open fields, using unshaded and shaded (39% white shadecloth) tunnels in Summer 2002 and 2003, respectively. Wind speed was consistently lower in high tunnels with the sidewalls and endwalls open. An unshaded high tunnel resulted in an increase of daily maximum and minimum air temperatures by ≈0.2 and 0.3 °C, respectively, in comparison with the open field. In contrast, daily maximum air temperature in a shaded high tunnel decreased by 0.4 °C, while the daily minimum air temperature was higher than that in the open field by 0.5 °C. Using high tunnels did not cause a marked change in relative humidity compared with the open field. When using shadecloth, the daily maximum soil temperature was lowered by ≈3.4 °C and the leaf surface temperature was reduced by 1.5 to 2.5 °C. The performance of lettuce during summer trials varied significantly among cultivars. Unshaded high tunnels generally led to more rapid bolting and increased bitterness of lettuce compared with the open field. Lettuce grown in high tunnels covered by shadecloth had a lower bolting rate, but decreased yield relative to the open field. Based on our results, summer lettuce production would not be recommended in high tunnels or open fields in northeastern Kansas, although the potential of shaded high tunnels deserves further studies. Reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) was estimated from meteorological data on a daily basis using the FAO-56 method. The ET0 was lowest in the shaded high tunnel and was the highest in the open field. Relatively lower ET0 in high tunnels indicated a likely lower water requirement and therefore improved water use efficiency compared with the open field.

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Lettuce Yield and Quality When Grown in High Tunnel and Open-Field Production Systems Under Three Diverse Climates

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.22.5.659 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 659-668 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Russell W. Wallace ◽

Annette L. Wszelaki ◽

Carol A. Miles ◽

Jeremy S. Cowan ◽

Jeffrey Martin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Open Field ◽

Production Systems ◽

Organic Production ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Mount Vernon ◽

Yield And Quality ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Lettuce Yield ◽

Field Plots ◽

Field Production

Field studies were conducted during 2010 and 2011 in Knoxville, TN; Lubbock, TX; and Mount Vernon, WA; to compare high tunnel and open-field organic production systems for season extension and adverse climate protection on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) yield and quality. The climates of these locations are diverse and can be typified as hot and humid (Knoxville), hot and dry (Lubbock), and cool and humid (Mount Vernon). In both years, 6-week-old lettuce seedlings of ‘New Red Fire’ and ‘Green Star’ (leafy type), ‘Adriana’ and ‘Ermosa’ (butterhead type), and ‘Coastal Star’ and ‘Jericho’ (romaine type) were transplanted in the late winter or early spring into subplots covered with black plastic and grown to maturity (43 to 65 days). Lettuce harvest in Knoxville occurred at 50 to 62 days after transplanting (DAT), with open-field lettuce harvested an average of 9 days earlier compared with high tunnel plots both years (P > 0.0001). The earlier than anticipated harvests in the open-field in Knoxville in 2010 were due to lettuce bolting. In Lubbock, high tunnel lettuce was harvested an average 16 days earlier in 2010 compared with open-field lettuce (P > 0.0001), while in 2011, high temperatures and bolting required that open-field lettuce be harvested 4 days earlier than lettuce grown in high tunnels. On average, lettuce cultivars at Mount Vernon matured and were harvested 56 to 61 DAT in 2010 and 54 to 64 DAT in 2011 with no significant differences between high tunnel and open-field production systems. Total and marketable yields at Mount Vernon and Lubbock averaged across cultivars were comparable in both high tunnel and open-field plots. At Knoxville, although total yields were significantly higher (P > 0.0062) in high tunnels than open-field plots, incidence of insect, disease, and physiological damage in high tunnel plots reduced lettuce quality and marketable yield (P > 0.0002). Lettuce head length:diameter ratio (LDR) averaged across cultivars was equal between high tunnel and the open field at all three locations. High tunnel production systems offer greater control of environments suitable for lettuce production, especially in climates like Knoxville and Lubbock where later-planted open-field systems may be more susceptible to temperature swings that may affect lettuce quality. These results suggest that although high tunnel culture alone may influence lettuce yield and quality, regional climates likely play a critical role in determining the impact of these two production systems on marketable lettuce yields.

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