scholarly journals Newspaper Mulches for Suppressing Weeds for Organic High-tunnel Cucumber Production

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 154-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsa Sánchez ◽  
William J. Lamont ◽  
Michael D. Orzolek
Keyword(s):  
Cucumis Sativus ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels

Mulches usable in organic production were evaluated in high tunnels for their ability to suppress weeds. Mulch treatments were shredded newspaper, sheets of newspaper, straw, and a no-mulch control that was weeded once. Four cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cultivars were also evaluated. Yields were highest and fruit largest from ‘Sweet Marketmore’ and lowest from ‘Lemon’. Yields were unaffected by mulch treatments. Weed populations were highest in control plots and lowest in those with shredded newspaper. Cultivars did not affect weed populations. Sheets of newspaper degraded the most, followed by shredded newspaper and straw. Yields were not influenced by any mulch treatment, indicating weed populations remained below yield-depressing levels regardless of treatment.

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

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 659-668 ◽  
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.

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

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.

Effect of a High Tunnel, Organic Cropping System on Lettuce Diseases in Western Washington

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Marianne Powell ◽  
Jeremy Cowan ◽  
Carol Miles ◽  
Debra Ann Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Gray Mold ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Lettuce Drop ◽  
Field Plots

Incidence of gray mold and lettuce drop, and yield of six cultivars representing market classes Boston/Crisphead, Leaf, and Romaine, were evaluated in open ended high tunnel and open field organic production systems near Mount Vernon, WA from 2010 to 2012. Each year seedlings were transplanted in April and heads harvested in June/July. In 2010, Romaine types had significantly (P < 0.0001) greater incidence of gray mold (caused by Botrytis cinerea) than other types. In 2011, incidence of gray mold was significantly (P = 0.004) greater in high tunnel than open field plots, and greatest in high tunnels when fog persisted. All cultivars were equally susceptible to lettuce drop (caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), although in 2012, incidence was significantly (P < 0.0001) greater in high tunnel than open field plots. ‘Green Star’ (Leaf type) had reduced incidence of gray mold and lettuce drop in 2010 and 2011. Incidence of tipburn was significantly (P = 0.032 and P = 0.001, respectively) greater in the high tunnels in 2011 and 2012 compared to the open field. Total yield (kg) was greater in the open field in 2012, but not in 2011 and 2010. Accepted for publication 8 July 2013. Published 22 September 2013.

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

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-462 ◽  
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.

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

Agriculture ◽  
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.

Assessing heat management practices in high tunnels to improve organic production of bell peppers

2019 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
pp. 928-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.Z. Zheng ◽  
B. Leib ◽  
D.M. Butler ◽  
W. Wright ◽  
P. Ayers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Heat Management ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Bell Peppers

Season, sowing date, and row cover influences the production of cool season vegetables in movable high tunnels

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 528-536
Author(s):  
David A. Baumbauer ◽  
Macdonald H. Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Sowing Date ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Leafy Greens ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Seeding Date ◽  
Northern Latitudes ◽  
Growing Degree Hours ◽  
High Tunnels

Moveable high tunnels offer the possibility of increasing the number of crops harvested from a given piece of ground in northern latitudes where there is a short growing season. In an effort to expand crop scheduling options, three leafy greens and three root vegetables were grown in the spring in a movable high tunnel, and in the fall were sown outside and the tunnel was moved over the crops in late September. The effects of seeding date and addition of row cover were further explored on fresh weight and days to harvest. Using row cover within the high tunnel increased growing degree hours (GDH) by an average of 29% in the spring and 17% in the fall over a high tunnel without row cover. Soil degree hours (SDH) in the high tunnel with row cover increased an average of 9% in the spring and 12% in the fall over the high tunnel without row cover. The addition of row cover increased yield of leafy greens and turnip by an average of 35% in spring 2018 when the outside air temperature was considerably below average. Early-seeded fall leafy greens out-yielded late-seeded by 52% due to the ability to make a second harvest. Using row cover within the high tunnel increased GDH and SDH during both spring and fall seasons and increased the yield of cool season vegetables when outside air temperatures were considerably below average.

High tunnels without anti-insect netting benefit organic cherry tomato production in regions with cool and short growing seasons

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-414
Author(s):  
Yun Kong ◽  
David Llewellyn ◽  
Youbin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Soluble Solids Content ◽  
Cherry Tomato ◽  
Southern Ontario ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Cherry Tomatoes

The potential market for locally produced organic cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is large in Canada, but it is challenging to grow this warm-season crop in open fields (OFs) due to the cool and short growing season. To test the feasibility of using high tunnels (HTs) for improving organic production in southern Ontario, plant growth, fruit yield and quality, and pest and disease incidence were compared for ‘Sarina hybrid’ cherry tomato among three production systems: OF, HT, and high tunnel with anti-insect netting (HTN) in Guelph, ON, in 2015 and 2016. Averaged over the 2 yr, the highest marketable fruit yield was achieved in HT (≈70 t ha−1), followed by HTN (≈50 t ha−1), with the lowest yield obtained in OF (≈24 t ha−1). Compared with OF, increased plant growth, extended harvest period, reduced pest numbers, and increased proportion of marketable fruits all led to the higher marketable yields in HT and HTN. Under HT vs. OF, fruit quality attributes, such as soluble solids content and post-harvest water loss, were better in 2015 and similar in 2016. Although the insect netting reduced pest incidence and disease infection, fruits harvested from HTN had lower yield, smaller size, and lower soluble solids content than those from HT in both years. Therefore, HT can be recommended for organic production of cherry tomatoes in southern Ontario.

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