Plant Growth Control by Photoselective Filters Low Tunnels (1999-2001) - 3 pages
Many warm season vegetable crops benefit from the cover provided by low tunnels. The
period that plants can be left in this protected environment is limited - as the plants
quickly outgrow the available space. Recently, photoselective filters have been developed
that alter the ratio of red to far-red light in incoming sunlight. Plants grown under this
filtered light are short and robust - making them ideally suited for a confined growing
environment. We conducted trials from 1999-2001 to determine if growing crops under
row covers constructed of a photoselective type of polyethylene would produce a more
compact growth habit - allowing the covers to be maintained over the crop for extended
periods.
In 2000, Melons (cv Earligold) were transplanted into rows of IRT mulch in early June.
At transplanting, sections of each row were covered with tunnels constructed of either
standard perforated clear polyethylene or photoselective filter (Photomorphogenesis
Control Film - YXE10 Mitsui Chemicals Inc.). The tunnels were supported above the
crop using wire hoops. The ends of the tunnels were closed.
