High Tunnel and Field Production of Organic Heirloom Tomatoes: Yield, Fruit Quality, Disease, and Microclimate

Organic and heirloom tomatoes are high-value products with growing demand but there are many challenges to successful cultivation. A systems comparison study was carried out to evaluate the production of the popular heirloom tomato ‘Cherokee Purple’ (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under high tunnel and open field systems in North Carolina from 2007 to 2008. Management of the high tunnel (i.e., temperature and irrigation), weather events as well as pest and disease pressure influenced crop quality and yield. The high tunnel and field systems achieved similar total yields (100 t·ha−1) the first season but yields were 33% greater in the high tunnel system than the field system in the second year (100 t·ha−1 and 67 t·ha−1, respectively). Both years, the tomatoes were planted in high tunnels 1 month earlier and harvested 3 weeks earlier than the field. The accumulation of ≈1100 growing degree-days (GDD) was required in both systems before 50% of the fruit was harvested. Fruit cracking, cat-facing, blossom-end rot, and insect damage were the major categories of defects in both systems. Incidence of both Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) were lower in the high tunnel compared with the field in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Results of this study suggest that with proper management techniques, high tunnels can optimize yields, increase fruit quality, and provide season extension opportunities for high-value horticultural crops.

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Influence of High Tunnel Microclimate on Fruit Quality and Calcium Concentration in ‘Santina’ Sweet Cherries in a Mediterranean Climate

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11061186 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1186

Author(s):

Victor Blanco ◽

Juan Pablo Zoffoli ◽

Marlene Ayala

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Mediterranean Climate ◽

Growing Season ◽

Fruit Yield ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Postharvest Quality ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Fruit Cracking ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Sweet Cherries

The use of protective covers, such as high tunnels, is recognized as an effective technology to reduce rain-induced fruit cracking in sweet cherries; however, there is a lack of information concerning the effects of this production system on the fruit’s mineral concentration, quality, and postharvest life. This study assesses the feasibility of using high tunnels on ‘Santina’ sweet cherries under the Mediterranean climate of the Central Valley of Chile to obtain earlier harvests of high-quality fruit with long storage life. The study included two plots: Plot 1 during the 2018/2019 growing season, and Plot 2 during the 2019/2020 growing season. High temperatures and relative humidity inside the high tunnels during bloom and fruit set decreased fruit yield, particularly in Plot 1. On average, trees inside the high tunnels were harvested 11 days earlier than those in the open. Fruit from covered trees were significantly larger (13%) and softer (10%) than those from the outside. Fruit quality characteristics, such as soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity, were not affected by high-tunnel-protected cultivation. Fruit from covered and uncovered trees maintained the firmness differences obtained at harvest between treatments, but showed similar postharvest quality after 45 days at 0 °C and a further 3 days at 20 °C on the other characteristics. The covered fruit had lower Ca concentrations (7.7 mg 100 g−1) and higher K:Ca, Mg:Ca, and N:Ca ratios. Significant relationships were found between Ca or K:Ca and fruit firmness at harvest. Lower Ca concentrations in the fruit may explain the lower firmness of fruit grown under plastic covers. There were no differences between covered and uncovered cherries in either cracking susceptibility or induced pitting. ‘Santina’ cherries were very sensitive to pitting damage, but this is not associated with the fruit’s Ca concentration. The results obtained show that high tunnels influenced fruit yield, development, and quality, and emphasize that the fruit’s Ca concentration under this growing condition plays a significant role in the firmness of ‘Santina’ sweet cherries.

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Orientation of Small Hobby High Tunnels and Potential Effects on Cut Sunflowers and Fresh Herbs

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech04273-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 461-467

Author(s):

Karen L. Panter ◽

Timmothy M. Gergeni ◽

Casey P. Seals ◽

Andrea R. Garfinkel

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Plant Growth And Development ◽

Origanum Vulgare ◽

Horticultural Crop ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Horticultural Crops ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Culinary Herbs ◽

Origanum Majorana ◽

East West

High tunnels are gaining popularity for their use in horticultural crop production. However, little is known about the effect of high tunnel orientation on plant growth and development. In this set of studies, we show tunnel orientation does not necessarily affect the production of cut sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and culinary herbs oregano (Origanum vulgare), marjoram (Origanum majorana), and garlic chive (Allium tuberosum). Two high tunnels, one with the long axis oriented north-south (NS) and the other east-west (EW), were used to test the effects of high tunnel orientation on several crops over a 5-year period: cut sunflower (2012 and 2016); marjoram, oregano, and garlic chive (2013 and 2014); and garlic chive (2015). The tunnels are 12 × 16 ft, smaller than those used in commercial production. The size would be appropriate for hobby and seasonal production of horticultural crops for local markets. Cut sunflower stems were similar lengths both years in both high tunnels. Sunflower times to harvest were different between cultivars but not between high tunnels. Oregano fresh weight yields were highest in the NS tunnel in 2013 but similar between tunnels in 2014. Marjoram fresh weights were highest in 2013 in the EW tunnel but highest in 2014 in the NS tunnel. Garlic chive fresh weights were similar between tunnels all 3 years. We show that differences are more a function of innate cultivar characteristics than which way small high tunnels are oriented.

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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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(84) Producing Cut Flowers in High Tunnels and Open Fields

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.41.4.1067d ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 1067D-1067

Author(s):

H. Chris Wien

Keyword(s):

Warm Season ◽

Single Layer ◽

Stem Length ◽

Pest Species ◽

Cut Flowers ◽

Eustoma Grandiflorum ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Season Extension ◽

Choice Of Species

Flowering plants grown and marketed locally as cut flowers have become economically important in recent years, concentrating on species that are too delicate to ship long distances. Although the bulk of this production is done outdoors, extending the season at both ends by using high tunnels (unheated greenhouse structures covered with a single layer of polyethylene), has become popular. To determine the advantages and drawbacks of using high tunnels as season extension structures for cut flowers, variety trials of seven and four flower species were conducted in 2004 and 2005, respectively, both in a high tunnel and in an adjacent field. In the cool, rainy 2004 season, plants in the tunnel were ready for harvest 20 days sooner than the same varieties outside. Outside plants had 25% more stems than tunnel-grown plants, but there was no difference in average stem length. In the dry, warm season of 2005, tunnel-grown plants were 8 days earlier, and had 58% more stems, which were increased in length by 16% over field-grown plants. Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) and snapdragons (Antirrhinum) were grown in both seasons, and gave similar results both times. Tunnel-grown lisianthus showed a 34% increase in stems per plant, and an 8% increase in stem length, and the stems could be harvested 8 days earlier. Snapdragons were 9 days earlier in the tunnel both years, but tunnel-grown plants produced 22% fewer stems. Disease and insect pressures occurred in both locations, but pest species causing problems differed. With careful choice of species to be grown in tunnels, cut flower production in this environment can be optimized.

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High Tunnels—Season Extension Technology for Production of Horticultural Crops Introduction to the Colloquium

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/hortsci.19.1.24 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 24

Author(s):

Karen L. Panter

Keyword(s):

Horticultural Crops ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Season Extension

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Economic Evaluation of Implementing Strawberry Season Extension Production Technologies in the U.S. Intermountain West

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.50.3.395 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 395-401 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tiffany L. Maughan ◽

Kynda R. Curtis ◽

Brent L. Black ◽

Daniel T. Drost

Keyword(s):

Climatic Conditions ◽

Production Costs ◽

Intermountain West ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Net Returns ◽

Study Results ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Season Extension ◽

Low Tunnels ◽

The U.S

Strawberry production in the U.S. Intermountain West is limited by harsh climatic conditions and competition from domestic producers and imports. Using season extension methods to combat climatic conditions may be effective but generally increases production costs. This study evaluates the economic returns to implementing high tunnels, low tunnels, and in-ground supplemental heating to strawberry production (Seascape and Chandler cultivars) in northern Utah. The high tunnel provided a net return of $1,943.57 or $15,548.56 per hectare assuming eight high tunnels per hectare. The addition of low tunnels within the high tunnel led to a positive increase in net returns for ‘Seascape’ but not for ‘Chandler’ production. Supplemental in-ground heating increased net returns by up to 50% for both cultivars, primarily as a result of higher pre-season yield and market pricing. Study results find that season extension technologies can successfully increase net returns to strawberry production through early and increased yields, when strawberries are sold primarily through local direct markets.

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Overview of the Use of High Tunnels Worldwide

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/hortsci.19.1.25 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 25-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

William J. Lamont

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

The United States ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Tropical Regions ◽

Horticultural Crops ◽

Small Fruit ◽

High Tunnels ◽

The World ◽

Agricultural Census ◽

Disease Pressure

High tunnels have been used for many years worldwide, but in the United States, the utilization of high tunnel technology for the production of horticultural crops is a relatively recent phenomenon. Single and multibay high tunnels are used throughout the world to extend the production season. One big advantage of high tunnels in the temperate and tropical regions of the world is the exclusion of rain, thus reducing the amount of disease pressure and crop loss while improving crop quality and shelf life. In temperate regions of the world, high tunnels are used to increase temperatures for crop production in spring, fall, and sometimes winter seasons. The use of high tunnels in their many forms continues to increase worldwide, and many different kinds of vegetables, small fruit, tree fruit, and flowers are being cultivated. One impediment in determining high tunnel usage worldwide is the failure of many authors and agricultural census takers to distinguish between high tunnels and plastic-covered greenhouses. In many instances, they are presented together under the heading “protected cultivation.”

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Design and Construction of the Penn State High Tunnel

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.12.3.447 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 447-453 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

William J. Lamont ◽

Martin R. McGann ◽

Michael D. Orzolek ◽

Nymbura Mbugua ◽

Bruce Dye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

State University ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Horticultural Crops ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Penn State ◽

Tunnel Design ◽

Research And Education ◽

Production Period ◽

Design And Construction

Plasticulture technology, especially high tunnels for extending the production period of a wide variety of horticultural crops, is an accepted production practice worldwide. In particular, high tunnels offer a production system that minimizes the effect of the environment on crop production and allows growers to continue to farm in densely populated areas. Only recently has the use of high tunnels in the U.S. been investigated and this research has been centered in the northeastern U.S. In 1999 the High Tunnel Research and Education Facility was established at Pennsylvania State University that resulted in the development of a unique high tunnel design. A detailed description of the new design and construction is presented in this report.

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Rowcovers and High Tunnels Enhance Crop Production in the Northeastern United States

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.3.1.92 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 92-95 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Otho S. Wells ◽

J. Brent Loy

Keyword(s):

Return On Investment ◽

Capital Investment ◽

Crop Production ◽

Environmental Control ◽

Growing Season ◽

Management Program ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Season Extension ◽

Selection Of

Crop growth is enhanced with the use of relatively inexpensive rowcovers and high tunnels. Even though these structures do not provide the same degree of environmental control as greenhouses, they modify the climate sufficiently to lengthen the growing season from 1 to 4 weeks in the spring and 2 to 8 weeks in the fall. Rowcovers generally remain over a crop for 2 to 4 weeks, whereas a high tunnel may function for an entire growing season. Both systems require a relatively low capital investment, provide a good return on investment, and improve the ability of new growers to succeed in the crop production business. The selection of either rowcovers or high tunnels will depend on the management program of a grower; however, both growing systems potentially are economically viable means of season extension.

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Improving Snapdragon Cut Flower Production through High Tunnel Season Extension, Transplant Timing, and Cultivar Selection

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci15910-21 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 56 (10) ◽

pp. 1206-1212

Author(s):

Maegen Lewis ◽

Melanie Stock ◽

Brent Black ◽

Dan Drost ◽

Xin Dai

Keyword(s):

High Elevation ◽

Stem Length ◽

Cut Flower ◽

Cut Flowers ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Cultivar Selection ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Season Extension ◽

Long Stem ◽

Advanced Production

The demand for locally grown, specialty cut flowers is increasing and now includes nontraditional regions for production, such as the U.S. Intermountain West. The objective of this study was to evaluate snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) as a cool season, cut flower crop in northern Utah, where the high elevation and semiarid climate result in a short growing season with strong daily temperature fluctuations. High tunnel and field production methods were trialed in North Logan, UT (41.77°N, 111.81°W, 1382 m elevation) with cultivars ‘Chantilly’, ‘Potomac’, and ‘Rocket’ in 2018 and 2019. Each year, five to six transplant timings at 3-week intervals were tested, beginning in early February in high tunnels and ending in late May in an unprotected field. Stems were harvested and graded according to quality and stem length. High tunnels advanced production by 5 to 8 weeks, whereas field harvests continued beyond the high tunnel harvests by 2 to 8 weeks. High tunnels yielded 103 to 110 total stems per m2 (65% to 89% marketability), whereas field yields were 111 to 162 total stems per m2 (34% to 58% marketability). Overall, production was the greatest with March transplant timings in the high tunnels and mid-April transplant timings in the field. ‘Chantilly’ consistently bloomed the earliest on 4 and 6 May each year, ‘Potomac’ had the highest percentage of long stem lengths, and ‘Rocket’ extended marketable stem production through July in high tunnels. Selecting optimal transplant dates in the high tunnel and field based on cultivar bloom timing maximizes marketable yields and results in a harvest window lasting 4.5 months.

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