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12 pages, 2857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Diffusivity and Transmittance of a Plastic Greenhouse Cover on the Development of Fungal Diseases in a Cucumber Crop

by Eugenio Ávalos-Sánchez, María Ángeles Moreno-Teruel, Francisco Domingo Molina-Aiz, Alejandro López-Martínez, Araceli Peña-Fernández, Fátima Baptista and Diego Luis Valera-Martínez

Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112743 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

Mediterranean greenhouses are usually covered by plastic materials (films); these films allow light to pass through them, modifying some of their characteristics. The properties of the plastic cover influence the development of greenhouse crops. In addition, it can influence the stresses that the [...] Read more.

Mediterranean greenhouses are usually covered by plastic materials (films); these films allow light to pass through them, modifying some of their characteristics. The properties of the plastic cover influence the development of greenhouse crops. In addition, it can influence the stresses that the plants endure and the development of fungal diseases in the crop. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect that an experimental film cover, with high transmittance and high light diffusivity, produces on the development of fungal diseases on a cucumber crop (Cucumis sativus L.). Two different film covers were compared: (i) commercial film (transmittance of 85%; diffusivity of 60%); and (ii) experimental film (transmittance of 90%; diffusivity of 55%). The study was carried out across two autumn–winter crop cycles in a multi-span greenhouse divided into two isolated sectors. Three fungal diseases caused the main damage to the cucumber crop: downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis), powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginia) and gummy stem blight (Didymella bryoniae). In the case of powdery mildew, a greater severity in the sector was observed with the commercial film in comparison with the sector with the experimental film, with significant statistical differences between the two sectors in both crop cycles. Downy mildew and gummy stem blight were fungal diseases with less presence than downy mildew, and a greater presence of these two fungal diseases in the sector with the commercial film was also observed in both crop cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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16 pages, 2234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Effect on Fruit Quality and Yield of Muskmelon and Sweet Pepper Cultivars

by Rafael Grasso, M. Teresa Peña-Fleitas, Romina de Souza, Alejandra Rodríguez, Rodney B. Thompson, Marisa Gallardo and Francisco M. Padilla

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092230 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2222

Abstract

Yield and fruit quality are two of the most important parameters for the profitability of vegetable crops. In commercial vegetable production, nitrogen (N) is commonly applied in excess, which is associated with nitrate (NO₃⁻) leaching loss. In addition, excess N [...] Read more.

Yield and fruit quality are two of the most important parameters for the profitability of vegetable crops. In commercial vegetable production, nitrogen (N) is commonly applied in excess, which is associated with nitrate (NO₃⁻) leaching loss. In addition, excess N application may affect yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N applications of very deficient N (N1, 2 mmol L⁻¹), deficient N (N2, 8 mmol L⁻¹), and conventional N (N3, 14 mmol L⁻¹), according to local fertigation practices, in soil-grown muskmelon and sweet pepper crops in Almeria, South-Eastern Spain. The evaluation was conducted in three cultivars of each species. The yield and the fruit quality parameters of firmness, colour, total soluble solids (TSS) and morphometric variables were evaluated in two years for each species. For most parameters in both species, the effects of N, when significant, occurred regardless of cultivar. In muskmelon and sweet pepper, application of 8.2 mmol N L⁻¹ (i.e., N2) was sufficient to achieve a maximum yield of 6.7 and 7.4 kg m⁻², respectively. In muskmelon, very deficient N application led to an increase of 58% in the percentage of fruit discarded, mostly due to malformed and undersized fruits. Fruit firmness and red–green axis coordinate (a*) were not consistently affected by N in any of the crops. However, the fruit lightness (L*) increased with N addition in both species, likely because of increased chlorophyll pigments. With N addition, fruit TSS slightly decreased in muskmelon and slightly increased in sweet pepper. However, fruit TSS of both species were within reference values for commercialisation in the three N treatments. There were differences in yield between cultivars in muskmelon but not in sweet pepper, likely due to differences in fruit number in muskmelon. There were differences between cultivars in TSS and colour a* coordinate in both muskmelon and sweet pepper. Cultivars with higher TSS and a* coordinate will likely be more desirable for consumers because of the sweeter taste and more intense orange colour in muskmelon and reddish colour in sweet pepper. Overall, our manuscript showed that N application can be reduced, relative to the conventional N application, without reducing yield or fruit quality in muskmelon, yet additional studies should be conducted in sweet pepper to complement the results of the 2020 crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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17 pages, 6300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Different Substrates, and Irrigation with Water with Different Saline Concentrations, on the Development of Tomato Fungal Diseases in an Almería-Type Greenhouse

by Eugenio Ávalos-Sánchez, Alejandro López-Martínez, Francisco D. Molina-Aiz, Juan Reca, Patricia Marín-Membrive and Diego L. Valera-Martínez

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051050 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1815

Abstract

The aim of this research was to assess the effect of both the salinity level and the type of growing system on the vegetative health of a tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum). The study was carried out in Almería (Spain) in a [...] Read more.

The aim of this research was to assess the effect of both the salinity level and the type of growing system on the vegetative health of a tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum). The study was carried out in Almería (Spain) in a local typical greenhouse. Two different growing media were tested: (i) the artificial soil “enarenado” and (ii) a coconut fiber substrate. Each of these growing media was irrigated with water with three different saline concentrations: (i) T1 with an electrical conductivity of 0.6 dS/m, (ii) T2 with 1.5 dS/m, and (iii) T3 with 3.0 dS/m. Using the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) regulations, two diseases were identified: (i) powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica) with a lower disease incidence in tomato plants grown in soil and in plants irrigated with decreasing salinity treatments and (ii) crown and root rot in tomato (Fusarium f. sp. radicis-lycopersici) with a lower incidence in tomato plants grown in soil and a higher incidence in tomato plants grown in coconut substrate. A higher yield was observed in tomato plants transplanted in enarenado than in coconut substrate, although a higher level of Brix degrees was observed in the crops with higher disease severity and salinity stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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12 pages, 1105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Different Cooling Systems on the Microclimate, Photosynthetic Activity and Yield of a Tomato Crops (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) in Mediterranean Greenhouses

by María Ángeles Moreno-Teruel, Francisco Domingo Molina-Aiz, Alejandro López-Martínez, Patricia Marín-Membrive, Araceli Peña-Fernández and Diego Luis Valera-Martínez

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020524 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2162

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of different evaporative cooling systems compared to natural ventilation on the microclimate, photosynthetic activity and yield of a tomato crop (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) in a spring-summer cycle. In this study, the expenditure [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of different evaporative cooling systems compared to natural ventilation on the microclimate, photosynthetic activity and yield of a tomato crop (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) in a spring-summer cycle. In this study, the expenditure of electricity and water caused by the different refrigeration systems and their economic cost was analysed. The study was carried out in three multi-span greenhouses: (i) a greenhouse with evaporative pads and fans and natural ventilation (PS + NV); (ii) a greenhouse with a fog system and natural ventilation (FS + NV); (iii) a greenhouse only with natural ventilation (NV). The photosynthetic activity was higher in the greenhouse with natural ventilation (14.7 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) than in the greenhouse with the pad-fan system (14.6 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹; without a statistically significant difference) and in the greenhouse with fog system (13.4 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹; with a statistically significant difference). The production was higher in the greenhouse with the pad-fan system (5.0 kg m⁻²) than in the greenhouse with natural ventilation (4.8 kg m⁻²; without a statistically significant difference) and in the greenhouse with a fog system (4.5 kg m⁻²; with a statistically significant difference). In general, photosynthetic activity and crop production increased as the maximum temperature (and the number of hours of exposure to high temperatures) decreased. It has been observed that the improvement in temperature conditions inside the greenhouses in spring-summer cycles produces increases in the photosynthetic activity of the tomato crop and, consequently, growth in production. The energy and water consumption derived from the use of active-type cooling systems have not been offset by a representative improvement in photosynthetic activity or crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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16 pages, 2410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Analysis of the Use of Reclaimed Water in Agriculture in Southeastern Spain, A Mediterranean Region

by María. J. López-Serrano, Juan F. Velasco-Muñoz, José A. Aznar-Sánchez and Isabel M. Román-Sánchez

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2218; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112218 - 02 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

In a global context where agriculture is the major consumer of water, there is a pressing need to look for alternative water resources. In light of there being a lack of studies that compare the use of diverse water alternatives in different crops, [...] Read more.

In a global context where agriculture is the major consumer of water, there is a pressing need to look for alternative water resources. In light of there being a lack of studies that compare the use of diverse water alternatives in different crops, the overall objective of this research is to evaluate the impact generated by the use of tertiary water from an economic and financial perspective and compare it with groundwater and desalinated water. To reach this objective, a detailed study of the cost structure of greenhouse investment has been developed. Furthermore, the most traditional indicators for investment profitability have been calculated for the three different water alternatives: tertiary water, groundwater and desalinated water. The cost analyses demonstrate the relative short reach that the price of water has in an area of greenhouse agriculture exploitation, which provides a margin of increasing water costs while still allowing for economic profit. Taking into account the three water resources considered, evidence shows that the use of tertiary water is not only financially and economically viable but is also the best alternative water resource above desalinated water in terms of profitability and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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16 pages, 5008 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Optical Tool to Determine the Chlorophyll Concentration in Ornamental Plants

by Rafael Jiménez-Lao, Pedro Garcia-Caparros, Mónica Pérez-Saiz, Alfonso Llanderal and María Teresa Lao

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112197 - 30 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2555

Abstract

The accurate estimation of leaf photosynthetic pigments concentration is crucial to check the plant´s health. Traditional methods of measuring photosynthetic pigments involve complex procedures of solvent extraction followed by spectrophotometric determinations. Portable plant instruments such as Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) meters can [...] Read more.

The accurate estimation of leaf photosynthetic pigments concentration is crucial to check the plant´s health. Traditional methods of measuring photosynthetic pigments involve complex procedures of solvent extraction followed by spectrophotometric determinations. Portable plant instruments such as Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) meters can facilitate this task for the speed and simplicity of the measures. The relationship between chlorophyll index obtained by SPAD-502 and pigment concentration in several ornamental species can help in the management of ornamental plant production. Two trials have been carried out in two different growing seasons (spring and summer) and facilities (greenhouse and open air), involving 30 ornamental species. There was a high linear relationship between concentrations of Chla and Chlb, as well as between Chlt and Ct in different species studied under greenhouse and open field conditions. The ratio between Chla and Chlb was higher at open field conditions and similar between Chlt and Ct. There was also a good relationship between Chlorophyll index and Chlt under both growing conditions, as well as between Chlorophyll index and Ct under greenhouse conditions. However, linear relationships with different slopes were observed for groups of species at open field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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24 pages, 2645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Diffuse Film Covers on Microclimate and Growth and Production of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in a Mediterranean Greenhouse

by María de los Ángeles Moreno-Teruel, Francisco Domingo Molina-Aiz, Araceli Peña-Fernández, Alejandro López-Martínez and Diego Luis Valera-Martínez

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050860 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2627

Abstract

The efficient use of light is one of the most important factors for the development of greenhouse crops. It is increasingly necessary to use film covers that enhance transmittance and the proportion of diffuse light to generate a more homogeneous light distribution. The [...] Read more.

The efficient use of light is one of the most important factors for the development of greenhouse crops. It is increasingly necessary to use film covers that enhance transmittance and the proportion of diffuse light to generate a more homogeneous light distribution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect that an experimental film cover with high transmittance and high light diffusivity produces on the microclimate and the growth and yield of tomato crops (Solanum lycopersicum L.), compared with a commercial thermal film cover. The trial was developed during a spring–summer growing cycle in a multispan greenhouse divided into two compartments (sectors) separated by a vertical polyethylene sheet. In the East sector, a commercial film was installed (transmittance of 85% and diffusivity of 60%) and in the West sector, an experimental film was used (transmittance of 90% and diffusivity of 55%). The results show an increase in the marketable yield of 0.25 kg·m⁻² in the sector with the experimental film, which represents 3.2% growth with respect to the commercial film. The photosynthetic activity measured in tomato leaves was 21.5% higher in plants growing in the sector with the experimental film, with had the highest transmittance. The increase in radiation transmittance of 14% produced greater photosynthetic activity without generating a higher inside air temperature at the crop level (at the height of 2 m above the floor). However, the mean temperature of the soil surface was statistically higher on the side with the diffuse experimental cover film, as a logical consequence of the higher level of intercepted solar radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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20 pages, 1511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Foundation of the Control of Pollination by Hoverflies in a Greenhouse

by Francisco J. Fernández, József Garay, Tamás F. Móri, Villő Csiszár, Zoltán Varga, Inmaculada López, Manuel Gámez and Tomás Cabello

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010167 - 17 Jan 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3317

Abstract

We propose a conceptual model for pollination and fertilization of tomato flowers in greenhouses crops by hoverflies, when the maximal number of adult pollinators maintained by the crops is less than what is needed for an economically successful pollination in greenhouses. The model [...] Read more.

We propose a conceptual model for pollination and fertilization of tomato flowers in greenhouses crops by hoverflies, when the maximal number of adult pollinators maintained by the crops is less than what is needed for an economically successful pollination in greenhouses. The model consists of a two-stage process for additional feeding of hoverfly to maintain the pollinator density at the economically desired level. First, with a stochastic model, we calculate the density of flies necessary for the economically successful pollination, determined according to the economically expected yield. Second, using a deterministic optimal control model, we find a minimum cost supplementary feeding strategy. In summary, we theoretically demonstrate, at the present stage of the research without validations in case studies, that optimal supplementary feeding can maintain the economically desired hoverfly density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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12 pages, 1806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solar Drying of Greenhouse Crop Residues for Energy Valorization: Modeling and Determination of Optimal Conditions

by Maria Guadalupe Pinna-Hernández, Francisco Gabriel Acien Fernández, José Gabriel López Segura and José Luis Casas López

Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10122001 - 19 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2191

Abstract

Large amounts of crop residue are produced annually in areas such as Almeria (Spain). These residues have elevated moisture and ash contents, and are also very heterogeneous, which hinders their reutilization. With the aim of facilitating biomass utilization in energy recovery-related processes, a [...] Read more.

Large amounts of crop residue are produced annually in areas such as Almeria (Spain). These residues have elevated moisture and ash contents, and are also very heterogeneous, which hinders their reutilization. With the aim of facilitating biomass utilization in energy recovery-related processes, a model for solar drying was developed. Experiments were performed inside a greenhouse with tomato and pepper residues, following two strategies (hung or stacked residues). The influence of temperature and relative humidity on the residues’ equilibrium moisture was also studied. The results were that a model allowed for determination of the equilibrium moisture as a function of ambient conditions (temperature and relative humidity), with the model’s characteristic parameters being different for each crop residue. Regarding the drying process, the results conform to first-order kinetics, with the values of the kinetic constants varying as a function of the crop residues and their arrangement. The variation in equilibrium moisture as a function of the annual variation in ambient conditions (temperature and relative humidity) in Almería means that it would only be possible to dry crop residues inside greenhouse below a moisture level of 0.43 kg_water/kg_drysolids (30% water content) from April to November. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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14 pages, 23513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Foliar Application of Microalgae Hydrolysate (Arthrospira platensis) and Silicon on the Growth of Pelargonium hortorum L.H. Bailey under Salinity Conditions

by Salvador Tejada-Ruiz, Cynthia Gonzalez-Lopez, Elisa Rojas and Silvia Jiménez-Becker

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111713 - 05 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2534

Abstract

Plant growth is limited by salinity stress. There are few strategies for alleviating it although Arthrospira platensis and silicon can stimulate plants to grow under stress conditions. The aim of this work was to study the effects of both a single and a [...] Read more.

Plant growth is limited by salinity stress. There are few strategies for alleviating it although Arthrospira platensis and silicon can stimulate plants to grow under stress conditions. The aim of this work was to study the effects of both a single and a joint application of Arthrospira platensis and silicon on the growth of Pelargonium hortorum L.H. Bailey under salt stress conditions. Plants were exposed to 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 dS m⁻¹ EC (electrical conductivity), with and without the application of microalgae and silicon. At the end of the trial, the biometric parameters and the plant analysis were determined. The microalgae hydrolysate concentration was 5 g L⁻¹ and the silicon concentration was 150 mg L⁻¹. Foliar spraying was applied weekly. Pelargonium can be grown in moderately saline irrigation water (3.0 dS m⁻¹). This bedding plant mitigates salt stress by avoiding the uptake of Cl⁻ ions and by tolerating a high Na⁺ concentration in the tissue. The joint foliar application of Arthrospira microalgae and silicon stimulates root, shoot, leaf, and flower formation in the Pelargonium hortorum L.H. Bailey crop under salinity conditions (3.5 dS m⁻¹). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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15 pages, 654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of New Citrus Rootstocks on Lemon Quality

by Marlene G. Aguilar-Hernández, Lucía Sánchez-Rodríguez, Francisca Hernández, María Ángeles Forner-Giner, Joaquín J. Pastor-Pérez and Pilar Legua

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070974 - 07 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3528

Abstract

Citrus fruits are one of the main crops produced in the world with oranges, tangerines, lemons and grapefruits being among the most important. Among them, lemons are beneficial for human health because of their antioxidant activity, phenols and vitamin C. This study evaluates [...] Read more.

Citrus fruits are one of the main crops produced in the world with oranges, tangerines, lemons and grapefruits being among the most important. Among them, lemons are beneficial for human health because of their antioxidant activity, phenols and vitamin C. This study evaluates three rootstocks obtained in a Spanish breeding program (Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research (IVIA)): Forner-Alcaide 5 citrus rootstock (‘FA 5’), Forner-Alcaide 13 (‘FA 13’) and Forner-Alcaide 517 (‘FA 517’) grafted onto cultivars ‘Eureka´, ‘Verna´, ‘Fino 49’ and ‘Betera´. The results determined that rootstocks have influenced cultivars in terms of a decrease in the fruit size, weight, and thickness of the peel; but has increased the percentage of juice and soluble solids. With respect to phenol content and antioxidant activity, higher values were found with all cultivars studied on rootstocks ‘FA 13’, followed by ‘FA 517’. Cultivars that were most influenced by rootstocks were ’Bétera’ and ’Eureka’ in physical properties, while in chemical properties they were ’Verna’ followed by ’Fino 49’. This investigation demonstrated the interaction of rootstocks on different cultivars in morphological, biochemical and nutraceutical characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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Review

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37 pages, 2499 KiB

Open AccessReview

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Agriculture: A Review from Web of Science Core Collection

by Manuel Barneo-Alcántara, Manuel Díaz-Pérez, Marta Gómez-Galán, Ángel Carreño-Ortega and Ángel-Jesús Callejón-Ferre

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102017 - 08 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5876

Abstract

Agricultural workers suffer from many work-related illnesses. Some of the most common include musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These types of disorders are caused by diverse factors. This research study intends to demonstrate the worldwide concern for MSD in agriculture. The objective is to compile [...] Read more.

Agricultural workers suffer from many work-related illnesses. Some of the most common include musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These types of disorders are caused by diverse factors. This research study intends to demonstrate the worldwide concern for MSD in agriculture. The objective is to compile and recognize in detail all the available studies on musculoskeletal disorders in agriculture developed in the world and by countries in the last 26 years. The Web of Science database was used for this purpose. Two hundred and fifty-six documents were found, of which 221 were finally selected for inclusion in the study. The studies span a period from 1995 to 2020. Of these, studies that were linked to improving sustainability stood out. Most of the research of this type emanates from developed countries. The conclusions to be drawn are that few countries pay attention to this area and that preventive measures are insufficient. Mechanization and improvement in work methods and organization are methods to reduce risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Technology in Mediterranean Agriculture)

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