ISHS Acta Horticulturae 807: International Symposium on Strategies Towards Sustainability of Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climate
USE OF HIGH TUNNELS IN THE NORTHEASTERN USA: ADAPTATION TO COLD CLIMATES |
| Authors: | H.C. Wien, M.P. Pritts |
| Keywords: | season extension, rain protection, vegetables, cut flowers, raspberries, high tunnel adoption |
| Abstract:
Although construction and use of high tunnels has been most rapid in regions of mild winter climates, their utility for season extension and crop protection in colder climates is becoming recognized. While the low temperatures and lack of sunlight in midwinter in higher latitudes make year-around production of horticultural crops impractical, significant advantages can be gained by starting crops several weeks before the frost-free dates in spring, and extending their growth into the late fall. In addition, crops such as raspberries and some cut flower species, which are made unmarketable by summer rain, benefit from the high tunnel’s protection from the elements. Cut flowers also develop significantly longer stems in the wind-still tunnel environment. Yields of annual crops are significantly larger in the high tunnels, often due to the fact that more than one crop can be grown in a tunnel due to the longer growing season. Raspberry yields in high tunnels are several times larger than outside, and of much better quality. Less-hardy berry crops such as blackberries can be overwintered successfully within a tunnel whereas they often experience severe winter injury when unprotected outside. Temperature management during times of frost requires use of IR-blocking polyethylene tunnel cover, often in combination with low tunnel covers over the plants in the high tunnel. The insect pest and plant disease complex in the tunnels differs markedly from outside fields, with pests such as aphids and spider mites, as well as powdery mildew more plentiful in the tunnel, and leaf-eating insects less prevalent. Interest is high among producers to adopt high tunnel production, and research and extension programs are being established to support this industry. | |
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