Growing tomatoes under a red photoselective screenhouse with different management strategies

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether a combination of increased plant density, the use of growth regulators and the effect of red screen-shade net could improve tomato yield, quality and promote desired vegetative development. The experiment was conducted from May 21 to November 1, 2014, in Goiânia, Brazil (16°35'47”S, 49°16'47”W, 730 m). The hybrid Ivete from Sakata Seeds® was cultivated in a 16×12×2.2 m3, 40% red shading screenhouse and field plots as control. Leaf area index, height and total plant mass were measured. The total number, total weight, diameter and number of lost fruits were totaled. Results showed that highest yields were obtained using 3 plants m-2 in both environments. The highest total fruit production occurred in open field conditions. However, the total fruit lost in the open field conditions was greater. In conclusion the photoselective red screen combined with the density of 3.07 plants m-2 promoted higher yield of commercial fruits.