The Effect of Climatic Parameters on Strawberry Production in a Small Walk-In Greenhouse

• Published in: AgriEngineering Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 104 - 121
• Main Authors: Khammayom, Napassawan, Maruyama, Naoki, Chaichana, Chatchawan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.03.2022
• Subjects: Berries; Climate; Cultivation; Environmental conditions; Environmental factors; Environmental impact; Evaluation; Fruit cultivation; Fruits; Greenhouses; Humidity; Night; Radiation; Relative humidity; Seasons; Sensors; Solar radiation; soluble sugar content; Strawberries; strawberry cultivation; strawberry quality; Sugar; temperature difference; Temperature gradients; Ventilation; Japan
• ISSN: 2624-7402; 2624-7402
• DOI: 10.3390/agriengineering4010007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of different environmental factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity on the quality of strawberries in terms of their shape, size, and sugar accumulation. The experiment was carried out in a small walk-in greenhouse in Matsusaka city, Japan. Harunoka strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) were cultivated from September to May of the following year. Production was evaluated on 20 February 2021 (peak season) and 5 April 2021 (end season). To evaluate the influence of environmental factors on strawberry fruit quality, the weight, shape, and soluble sugar content were recorded and compared to each other. According to the environmental data, the average temperature between day and night at peak harvest was around 12 °C, which was suitable for high-quality strawberry cultivation. However, the average temperature difference between day and night was approximately 4 °C at the end of the season. In addition, there were no significant differences in solar radiation and relative humidity between both seasons. Increasing temperatures led to the decline in the soluble sugar content at the end season. Thus, it can be concluded that the temperature difference between day and night is a major factor affecting strawberry production. The assessment of the impact of environmental conditions on strawberry quality can be used as a guideline not only in temperate climates, but also in other climates, such as in tropical countries.