OUTLOOK ON GROWING TECHNIQUES OF GREENHOUSE SOLANACEA IN MILD-WINTER CLIMATES

This paper is aimed to characterize the growing techniques used for greenhouse cropping of tomato, sweet-pepper, and eggplant in the various mild-winter production systems. An inquiry was carried out in 12 countries covering the most important growing regions in Mediterranean area and South America. Data are presented on: estimated greenhouse area for tomato, sweet-pepper, eggplant, and non-solanacea crops; predominant greenhouse types; cropping cycles; irrigation and fertilization systems; fruit-setting methods; soil cultivation and disinfection processes; greenhouse environmental control; biological control of greenhouse pests; and the major limiting factors for solanacea protected cultivation in relation to greenhouse environment, diseases, and the socio-economic situation. The present status of technological development is analyzed in relation to the evolution during the past two decades and the prospectives for the future, taking into account the need for increased crop productivity, better commodity quality, and more efficient use of inputs.