Articles
THE USE OF HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM LIGHTS IN GREENHOUSE TOMATO CROP PRODUCTION
Article number
148_115
Pages
877 – 888
Language
Abstract
Significant increases in tomato yields were obtained when supplemental light was provided during the low light periods of the year.
Supplemental light from high pressure sodium bulbs extended the natural day resulting in an 18 hour photoperiod.
When 8 hours supplemental light was used, the lights were on for the hours 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. – 7 a.m., with 18 hours supplemental light, the period of illumination was 3 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Supplemental lighting allowed for increased plant populations, when plants were grown to three clusters.
Problematic aspects of supplemental lighting encountered included apparent changes in the nutritional status of the plant.
The problem was most severe in the long term crop.
Increased yields per unit area with higher plant population may lend merit to an alternate cropping scheme.
A one cluster, multicrop system utilizing extremely high plant populations is currently under experimental consideration.
Supplemental light from high pressure sodium bulbs extended the natural day resulting in an 18 hour photoperiod.
When 8 hours supplemental light was used, the lights were on for the hours 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. – 7 a.m., with 18 hours supplemental light, the period of illumination was 3 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Supplemental lighting allowed for increased plant populations, when plants were grown to three clusters.
Problematic aspects of supplemental lighting encountered included apparent changes in the nutritional status of the plant.
The problem was most severe in the long term crop.
Increased yields per unit area with higher plant population may lend merit to an alternate cropping scheme.
A one cluster, multicrop system utilizing extremely high plant populations is currently under experimental consideration.
Authors
R. J. McAvoy, Harry W. Janes
Keywords
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