Year: 1992
Type: article
Abstract: High tunnels (unheated walk-in structures) are widely utilized in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for early vegetable production. There are relatively few high tunnels used for vegetable production in the U.S. In a 2-year study, determinate tomatoes matured up to 32 days earlier than the same cultivars under standard field culture. Earliness was gained through 16 days earlier planting and 16 days earlier maturity than in the field. In tunnels, when ground grown, yield was 7.4 kg m -1 ; and when grown with a basketweave trellis, yield was 6.8 kg m -1 . Even though these yields (for a 30-day period) were less than the yields from the field, the earlier harvest provides an extra marketing opportunity at premium prices. Under current production and marketing conditions in New Hampshire, at a conservative average selling price of $1.60/lb, the net return is $0.71/1b. By using relatively low cost tunnels, growers are able to economically extend their growing and marketing season without a high capital outlay.
Source: HortScience
Authors: Otho S. Wells, Michael R. Sciabarrasi
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1770450213