PRODUCTION OF TOMATOES IN PLASTIC COVERED GREENHOUSES IN MANITOBA

J.D. Campbell, N.J. Beaton, J.S. Townsend
  1. The production of tomatoes in plastic greenhouses in Manitoba is economically feasible.
  2. Steam is generally not available for soil sterilization since gas-fired hot-air furnaces are used. Portable steam units have been expensive to operate and not too successful.
  3. The use of nylon re-inforced plastic films for coverings has not proved to be entirely satisfactory in our severe climate; fiberglass, although more expensive, holds greater promise.
  4. The yield of marketable fruit was 10–12 pounds (4.5 to 5.5 kg) per plant for the spring crop.
  5. Fruit produced from plants grown in a modified 'Ring Culture' system was equal in yield but higher in quality than those grown in standard ground beds.
  6. Some toxicity was experienced from the use of steam and chemicals when applied to ground beds.
  7. If consumers are aware of the quality differential between green-house grown and green-picked, imported field tomatoes, they are willing to pay a premium price for the greenhouse product.
Campbell, J.D., Beaton, N.J. and Townsend, J.S. (1974). PRODUCTION OF TOMATOES IN PLASTIC COVERED GREENHOUSES IN MANITOBA. Acta Hortic. 39, 231-236
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.1974.39.22
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1974.39.22
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1974.39.22
39_22
231-236
 

Acta Horticulturae