scholarly journals Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation under High-tunnel and Organic Management in North Carolina

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjun Gu ◽  
Wenjing Guan ◽  
John E. Beck
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Cultivar Differences ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Camino Real ◽  
San Andreas ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Soluble Solid ◽  
Strawberry Cultivar ◽  
Organically Managed

High-tunnel strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) production for extended seasons has a great economic potential for small farmers. However, information on cultivars that are suitable for high tunnels is rather limited. In this study conducted in the 2014–15 season, strawberry plugs of eight June-bearing cultivars (Florida Radiance, Benicia, Camarosa, Camino Real, Chandler, Strawberry Festival, Sweet Charlie, and Winterstar) and two day-neutral cultivars (San Andreas and Albion) were evaluated for yield performance, fruit quality, and vegetative growth in organically managed high tunnels at two locations in North Carolina. Significant cultivar differences in whole-season yield were observed at Greensboro, NC; but not at Goldsboro, NC. The cultivar Florida Radiance had the highest marketable and total yields, followed by Winterstar and Chandler at Greensboro, whereas Benicia, Winterstar, and Chandler were the top producing cultivars at Goldsboro. Harvest of day-neutral cultivars San Andreas and Albion started in November. For June-bearing cultivars, Florida Radiance began to produce harvestable berries in late December, followed by Winterstar in early January. Peak harvest occurred in April for all cultivars. At the end of the season, ‘Albion’ had smaller canopy size than other cultivars. It also developed the fewest number of branch crowns and least aboveground biomass. Total soluble solid (TSS) content in April was lower than that observed early and late in the season for all cultivars, although Strawberry Festival exhibited a relatively stable TSS throughout the season. ‘Benicia’ produced the largest strawberries in the early season, but its fruit weight was remarkably reduced as the season progressed. Severe frost events occurred on 18 and 20 Feb. that caused an average of 61.5% and 32.2% open blossom damage at Greensboro and Goldsboro, respectively. The recommended cultivars based on this 1-year study are Florida Radiance, Benicia, and Camino Real for June-bearing cultivars, and Albion and San Andreas for day-neutral cultivars.

scholarly journals Day-neutral Strawberries for High Tunnel Production in the Central United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Gude ◽  
Cary L. Rivard ◽  
Sara E. Gragg ◽  
Kimberly Oxley ◽  
Petros Xanthopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Production System ◽  
Gray Mold ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
San Andreas ◽  
Production Space ◽  
Central United States

Specialty crop production in high tunnel systems has greatly expanded in the central United States. Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) may be a viable high-value crop for high tunnel growers, but fall-planted production systems have a high opportunity cost in regard to winter production space. This study investigates the feasibility of spring-planted day-neutral strawberry cultivars in a high tunnel production system in Kansas. Furthermore, the goals of this report are to identify day-neutral cultivars that are successful in this production system and investigate the utility of evaporative cooling (EC), as they relate to fruit yield and marketability as well as incidence of gray mold (caused by Botrytis cinerea). High tunnel trials were conducted at the Kansas State University Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center during 2014 and 2015. Six commercially available cultivars were evaluated: Albion, Evie 2, Monterey, Portola, San Andreas, and Seascape in both years. Mature fruit (90% to 100% red) were harvested twice weekly for total and marketable (fruit with no defects) fruit yield. The results indicate that ‘Portola’ had the highest total fruit weight in both years at 0.60 and 0.51 kg/plant, respectively, and was significantly higher than ‘Monterey’, ‘Albion’, and ‘San Andreas’ in both years (P < 0.05). In 2014, ‘Portola’, ‘San Andreas’, and ‘Albion’ produced the largest total fruit average weight (grams/fruit) and were significantly larger than ‘Seascape’ and ‘Evie 2’ (P < 0.05). In 2015, ‘Portola’ had significantly larger fruit than all the other cultivars except San Andreas (P < 0.05). Marketability percent by weight ranged from 76.5% to 88.6% across both years and the highest marketability was observed with ‘Albion’ (89% and 83%) and ‘Monterey’ (85% and 84%) in 2014 and 2015, respectively. An examination of fruit production during the early, mid-, and late seasons was used to determine seasonal dynamics of each cultivar and the high tunnel system. The overall trend was that total fruit weight was highest during the midseason and total average fruit weight was largest in the early season. However, ‘San Andreas’ and ‘Seascape’ had similar levels of production between the early and midseason and had the lowest level of production in the midseason, particularly in the 2015 trial. In our trials, the use of EC did not affect fruit weight or gray mold incidence on strawberry fruit. Based on the crop productivity observed in our study, this production system has the potential to extend the season for strawberry growers in the central United States or provide a high-value rotational crop for existing high tunnel growers that does not require winter production space.

scholarly journals Fruit Cluster Pruning of Tomato in an Organic High-Tunnel System

HortScience ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian A. Mitchell ◽  
Mark E. Uchanski ◽  
Adriane Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Total Yield ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Fresh Fruit ◽  
The Other ◽  
Load Management ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Yield Quality ◽  
Tomato Cultivars ◽  
Certified Organic

This research assessed fruit load management and production techniques for cultivating indeterminate tomatoes in a high tunnel under intensive organic management. The successful production of high-quality, high-yielding crops is important for fruit and vegetable producers, especially growers using high tunnels. High tunnels are well-suited to organic farming and can be used to grow many valuable specialty crops. Fruit load management is practiced in fruit production (e.g., apples, peaches, and grapes), but there is lack of consensus concerning the effectiveness of fruit cluster pruning on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its impact on fruit yield, quality, and marketability. In addition, there is no published research on tomato cluster pruning in certified organic systems or intensively managed high tunnels (e.g., densely planted, trellised, vegetatively pruned plants) for the Front Range of Colorado. In 2016 and 2017, a randomized complete block design was used to test the effects of cluster pruning within a high tunnel on certified organic land at Colorado State University’s (CSU’s) Agricultural Research, Development, and Education Center, South. Two treatments and three tomato cultivars were selected for the study; the treatment–cultivar combinations were replicated six times within a high tunnel. The treatments involved reducing fruit loads to three fruit and six fruit per cluster, whereas plants with unpruned clusters, which naturally developed as many as 10 fruit, served as the control. Tomato cultivars evaluated were ‘Cherokee Purple’, a widely studied heirloom, and two hybrids: ‘Jet Star’ and ‘Lola’. Parameters measured included total yield, individual fresh fruit weight, soluble solids content (SSC), marketable yield, and nonmarketable yield. Individual fresh fruit weight increased for both hybrids in the three-fruit treatment, averaged over two growing seasons. ‘Cherokee Purple’ did not respond to the cluster pruning treatments. There was no decrease in total yield, across all cultivars, between treatments and the unpruned control. However, ‘Jet Star’ yielded more than the other two cultivars. In addition, SSC and marketability measurements were more influenced by cultivar than cluster pruning treatments. ‘Lola’ had a significantly greater SSC than the other two cultivars. ‘Jet Star’ had the greatest marketable yields of all cultivars tested whereas ‘Cherokee Purple’ produced greater nonmarketable (cull) yields. Cluster pruning produced larger organic tomatoes without reducing yield or quality for two of the three cultivars used in the study. Cultivar selection remains one of the greatest factors in determining yield, quality, and marketability of a crop.

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

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Miniature Head Lettuce Yield and Anthocyanin Concentration under High Tunnels and the Field in Georgia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Suzanne O’Connell
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Wetness ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Daily Light Integral ◽  
Field System ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Anthocyanin Concentration ◽  
Lettuce Yield ◽  
Light Integral ◽  
Organically Managed

This study evaluated the yield of eight miniature lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars (i.e., mini-lettuce) grown under organically managed high tunnels compared with a field system during two spring seasons in Georgia. Mini-lettuce required an average of 36 to 40 days to harvest in both systems with a 86% to 97% marketability rate. The high tunnels provided a heat gain on the coldest days, decreased leaf wetness, and resulted in a lower daily light integral compared with the field. In 2015, mini-lettuce yields were similar between the high tunnel and field, but in 2016, yields were greater under the high tunnels. In 2016 only, there was a significant system by cultivar interaction for yield, suggesting that the high tunnels provided a yield increase for ‘Baby Green Oakleaf’ and ‘Spretnak’ mini-lettuce. Differences in the daily light integral between the high tunnels and field appeared to affect the accumulation of anthocyanins in red-pigmented mini-lettuce. Anthocyanin concentrations were 26% to 194% greater in mini-lettuce grown in the field compared with under high tunnels. The cultivar Rhazes had the greatest anthocyanin concentrations of all red-pigmented mini-lettuce evaluated but also lower yields.

scholarly journals Growth and Yield of Organic Day-neutral Strawberries in Low Tunnels inside High Tunnel in North Carolina

HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 336-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tekan S. Rana ◽  
Sanjun Gu
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Planting Dates ◽  
San Andreas ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Low Tunnels

North Carolina’s fresh strawberry has a $21.4 million economic value, which is primarily from short-day cultivars in the annual plasticulture system. Organic and off-season day-neutral strawberries have higher prices than the conventional, field-grown strawberries. There have been no published studies on suitable cultivars, transplanting dates, and additional winter protection methods for day-neutral strawberry production in high tunnels in North Carolina. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of low tunnels, planting dates, and cultivars on growth, yield, and season extension potential of day-neutral strawberries in high tunnels. Plugs of day-neutral cultivars Albion and San Andreas were either transplanted in raised beds covered with low tunnels (LT) or without low tunnels (control, NLT), inside high tunnels on the N.C. A&T State University Farm (Greensboro, NC) on two different planting dates, which were 1 Sept. (D1) and 29 Sept. (D2) of 2016, or 9 Sept. (D1) and 10 Oct. (D2) of 2017, respectively. A completely randomized design with split-split plots was used. LT did not significantly affect the total yield and plant phenology, but they promoted the first harvest by a week compared with NLT, which resulted in higher yield during the winter of both years. D1 promoted about 24 days of earlier harvest than D2. ‘Albion’ had an earlier bloom and harvest date (by 1 to 3 weeks and 2 to 3 weeks, respectively) than ‘San Andreas’. Strawberry yield was low in the fall season, but it started to increase from January, peaked in April, and decreased again in May. D1 increased the whole season’s marketable yield of ‘Albion’ (430.3 g/plant), compared with that of ‘San Andreas’ (330.9 g/plant). During the winter, ‘Albion’ had a higher yield than ‘San Andreas’. Our study indicates that LT inside HT might not significantly improve the plant growth, early harvest, or total yield. Planting dates had no consistent effect on yield. It was suggested that ‘Albion’ should be considered for high winter yields, and ‘San Andreas’ be a cultivar with high yields of the entire season in high tunnels.

Influence of irrigation regimes on yield, pomological parameters and population development of Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisd. (Acari: Tetranychidae) in strawberry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekrem Atakan ◽  
Mehmet Ali Sarıdaş ◽  
Serkan Pehlivan ◽  
Tange Denis Achiri ◽  
Eser Çeliktopuz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Spider Mite ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Population Development ◽  
Tetranychus Cinnabarinus ◽  
Fruit Acidity ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Strawberry Cultivar ◽  
Irrigation Levels

In this study, the effect of full (IR100), 50% (IR50), 75% (IR75) and 125% (IR125) irrigation levels on population development of the carmine spider mite (CSM) as well as on yield and some pomological properties of ‘Fortuna’ strawberry cultivar grown in high tunnels were evaluated in two consecutive growing seasons (2016–2017 and 2017–2018). The numbers of CSM were significantly lower on strawberry leaves which were irrigated by IR50 and IR75 in both growing seasons. Full (IR100) and highest (IR125) irrigation levels were the most favorable for the development of CSM populations. On the other hand, in the CSM thriving period (2017), the fruit weight was generally high in the plots with the highest irrigation (IR125) level. Although there was no interaction with the CSM population, fruit acidity (%) increased in the IR100 and IR125 irrigation levels, possibly due to stress in plants, when CSM population was highest (in March). In the absence of CSM, fruit acidity was significantly high in the plots where water stress was experienced. While no significant interaction was found between the pomological characters and the CSM population, the mites affected the yield significantly in that plants were more productive under IR 75 even when there was a CSM population. This study suggests that the application of IR75 level in Fortuna strawberry is related to lower CSM population growth and significantly higher yields.

scholarly journals Cultivar Selection and Placement of Shadecloth on Midwest High Tunnels Affects Colored Bell Pepper Yield, Fruit Quality, and Plant Growth

HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 550-559
Author(s):  
Kristine M. Lang ◽  
Ajay Nair ◽  
Kenneth J. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Growth Parameter ◽  
Bell Pepper ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Cultivar Differences ◽  
Research Station ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
High Tunnels

Growing colored bell peppers in high tunnels enhances fruit quality and accelerates ripening. While there are benefits to high tunnel pepper production, increased heat inside the structures can lead to plant stress, blossom drop, sunscald, and reduced marketable yields. The objective of this study was to test shadecloth treatments placed on high tunnels to mitigate heat stress and improve colored bell pepper yield and fruit quality, while also identifying cultivars that perform well within Midwest high tunnel systems. Research was conducted at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station (Ames, IA) from 11 May to 11 Oct. in 2017 and 3 May to 9 Oct. in 2018. Six single-poly passively ventilated Quonset high tunnels were used for the experiment. The shade treatments (no shadecloth, 30% light-reducing shadecloth, and 50% light-reducing shadecloth) were applied in June of each season. Within each shade treatment, there were three randomized complete blocks of the seven colored bell pepper cultivars (Archimedes, Delirio, Flavorburst, Red Knight, Sirius, Summer Sweet, and Tequila). Data were collected on yield, fruit quality, and plant growth characteristics. Environmental parameters were monitored throughout the growing season. Both the 30% and 50% shadecloth treatments reduced monthly average and maximum air temperatures within high tunnels, with the largest differences occurring in the months of July and August. The use of a shadecloth reduced the incidence of sunscald by 59% between no shade and 50% shadecloth treatments. While there was no difference between 30% and 50% shade treatments, the use of 50% shadecloth caused a decrease in both marketable number (32%) and weight (29%) of pepper fruit compared with the control. ‘Tequila’, ‘Delirio’, and ‘Flavorburst’ had more marketable fruit per plant. Shade treatments did not affect fruit soluble solids content (SSC), pH, or total titratable acidity (TTA). Shade treatments had no effect on Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) readings, shoot biomass, the number of leaves per plant or the total leaf area per plant; however, plant height increased by an average 14.5 cm for plants under shadecloth treatments. Average leaf size was 11.2 cm2 larger on plants grown under the 50% shadecloth, compared with the control. Several cultivar differences existed for each fruit quality and plant growth parameter. While differences in fruit quality and plant growth parameters were limited among shade treatments, decreasing marketable yield is concerning. Our research suggests that Midwest growers should not exceed 30% light-reducing shadecloth on their high tunnels for colored bell pepper production.

Evaluasi Keragaan Beberapa Hibrida Semangka Koleksi Balai Penelitian Tanaman Buah Tropika

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-105
Author(s):  
Makful Makful ◽  
Kuswandi Kuswandi ◽  
Sahlan Sahlan ◽  
Mega Andini
Keyword(s):  
Skin Color ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Hybrid Breeding ◽  
Skin Thickness ◽  
Tropical Fruit ◽  
Total Soluble Solids ◽  
Soluble Solid ◽  
High Yielding Varieties

Hybrid breeding of watermelon has led to the formation of high-yielding varieties. The objectives of the research were to determine the performance of hybrid watermelon of the Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute (ITFRI) collection and to evaluate the superiority of each hybrid. The research has been conducted at Sumani Experimental Garden, ITFRI, Solok, West Sumatera, from April to July 2016. The material used consisted of 19 cross combinations. The data from this descriptive study were presented in the form of averages and pictures. The results showed that the hybrids that were tested showed diversity in size, fruit skin color, flesh color, skin thickness and fruit sweetness. Hybrids with three excellent characters, i.e. medium fruit weight, high total soluble solids (TSS) value, and moderate rind thickness, were not yet obtained. Hybrids that had the superiority in term of sweet taste and shelf life were BT1 × SGP, BT4 × BT4P, BT5 × BT4, BT6 × SGP and SGP × BT6. Keywords: hybrid, performance, total soluble solids, watermelon   ABSTRAK Pemuliaan hibrida pada semangka mengarah kepada pembentukan varietas berdaya hasil tinggi. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui keragaan hibrida semangka koleksi Balitbu Tropika dan untuk mengevaluasi keunggulan masing-masing hibrida Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kebun Percobaan Sumani, Balitbu Tropika, Solok, Sumatera Barat, dari bulan April sampai dengan Juli 2016. Materi yang digunakan terdiri dari 19 kombinasi persilangan. Data hasil penelitian deskriptif ini ditampilkan dalam bentuk rataan dan gambar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hibrida yang diuji memiliki keragaman dalam ukuran, warna kulit buah, warna daging buah, ketebalan kulit buah dan kemanisan. Belum ditemukan hibrida yang memiliki tiga karakter unggul, yang terdiri dari bobot buah sedang, total padatan terlarut (total soluble solid) tinggi, dan kulit buah agak tebal. Hibrida yang memiliki keunggulan berupa rasa manis dan tahan simpan adalah BT1 × SGP, BT4 × BT4P, BT5 × BT4, BT6 × SGP dan SGP × BT6. Kata kunci: hibrida, keragaan, semangka, total padatan terlarut

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.

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.

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