Modifying Walk-In Tunnels through Solar Energy, Fogging, and Evaporative Cooling to Mitigate Heat Stress on Tomato

• DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae9010077
• Publication Date: 2023-01-09T12:05:09Z
• Authors: Mohamed A. Sharaf...; Zaher Mundher Yaseen; Adel H. Elmetwalli; Salah Elsayed; Miklas Scholz; Zainab Al-Khafaji; Genesia F. Omar
• Keywords: Evaporative cooler; Fogging; Microclimate

Global warming is by far the most significant issue caused climate change. Over past few decades, heat stress has intensified into a serious that negative impact on crop production. Hence, it crucial to modify cultivation systems cope with this kind of stress, particularly in arid dry regions. In comparison open-field cultivation, tomato production under protected techniques walk-in tunnels are suited for different farmers’ financial abilities was evaluated during late summer season. The studied included shaded net tunnel natural ventilation, fogging system and plastic evaporative cooling (wet pad fans). For operation systems, solar energy used as sustainable, eco-friendly source. results indicated successfully operated systems. All protective mitigated plant improved microclimate tunnels. Moreover, significantly increased leaf area, cell membrane efficiency contents chlorophyll, relative water proline compared ventilation. Furthermore, marked reduction physiological disorders noticed. Improved biochemical parameters limited diseases led higher fruit set, marketable yield total productivity. percentage around 31.5% an system, 28.8% 17% no positive open field. However, plants grown without protection deteriorated from had high incidence disorders. incident were blossom-end rot, cracking, internal white tissues, sunscald, puffiness, blotchy ripening, cat face exserted stigma. It recommended use conditions through or ameliorate season fewer