Katrine A. Stewart1, Fahrurrozi Aziz², and Sylvie Jenni³Department of Plant Science,  Macdonald Campus of McGill University,
21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, H9X 2E4, Quebec Canada.
²Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Bengkulu, Jalan Raya Kandang Limun, Bengkulu, 38371A, Indonesia.
³Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , 430 Boul. Gouin, St. Jean-sur-Richelieu,
J3B 3E6, Quebec Canada.

Keywords:  mini-tunnels, temperature, CO₂, relative humidity, relative growth rate

Abstract:  Muskmelons were grown in 10 mini-tunnel treatments. Continuous or perforated tunnels with or without thermal water tubes were compared with mulched control treatments over a three year period.. Air temperatures were highest in continuous tunnels followed by perforated tunnels and control treatments. Inclusion of a thermal tube into the mini-tunnel decreased day temperatures but increased night temperatures. CO levels were significantly higher, in addition, relative humidity in the continuous tunnels was 14 % great than that of all other treatments. Relative growth rates (RGR) were greater in the continuous tunnel treatments. As the season progressed, external air temperatures increased temperatures in the continuous tunnels became excessive and plants were under stress. Venting the tunnels significantly reduced temperatures and lowered CO₂ levels in these treatments. During this period optimal growing conditions were found in the perforated tunnels or in the controls and this was reflected in the RGR’s for these treatments.

PDF Order Form
Secure Server Order Form