dr. richard g. snyder 11/10/2009 - umass amherst · 2012. 11. 8. · dr. richard g. snyder...
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Dr. Richard G. Snyder 11/10/2009
Greenhouse Tomatiology 1
D Ri h d G S dDr. Richard G. SnyderProfessor & Vegetable Specialist
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Greenhouses are for Environmental Modificationtemperaturelightinsects, diseases, and weedsair pollutantswater
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Why Modify the Environment?
allow crop production at a time when it would otherwise be impossible.
l i ld i i l i h i example ‐we raise cold sensitive plants in the winter months in a greenhouse, which we could not do in the field at the same time of year.
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Structures for Modifying The Environment
Greenhousesh lHigh Tunnels
Row CoversPlastic Mulch
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Greenhouse TomatoesHigher Quality & Value
locally grownvine ripened
uniform size & shapevine ripened
not breakers or gassed
pgood red colorgood flavor
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higher quality higher quality ---- higher valuehigher value
Looks easy? Lot to learn
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Dr. Richard G. Snyder 11/10/2009
Greenhouse Tomatiology 2
Village Farms of Virginia
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42 acres under one roof
Eurofresh Farms Willcox, AZ
318 acres total
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Almeria, SpainAlmeria, Spain
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Almeria, Spain
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Small, family‐run business.
Huge, multi‐acre range.
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Same Concepts.
#1 Grow, then Sell TomatoesDon’t even think about growing greenhouse tomatoes unless you have a market to sell them.Small grower?S ll l llSell locally.Have alternativebuyers.
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Dr. Richard G. Snyder 11/10/2009
Greenhouse Tomatiology 3
#2 Get EducatedConferences and Workshops like this oneGreenhouse Tomato Short CourseExtension publicationsBooksNewslettersVisit growersInternet
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#3 Get a Greenhouse
See vendor list in Greenhouse Tomato Handbook.Determine size.Si l iSite location.Sales on site?Plan for drainage.
1‐2% slope.
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#4 Learn The LanguageSee the Greenhouse Tomato Growers’ Glossary.Learn the terminology.Feel free to suggest words to add if you find other terms you don’t know.
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#5 Start Small
1 or 2 baysNot 6
“Well you said
start small…”
Not 6Not 12Not 5 acres
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#6 Who will do all the work?Labor – yes there is work to do.Average 20 hours per week per bay over the life of the crop.
Do it all by yourself?Family labor?Family labor?Hire part time labor?Hire full time labor?
Be sure labor is available when you need it.
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#7 Good Quality Water
Get your water testedIn Mississippi –Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory1 Gallon in CLEAN jug (not from milk!)1 Gallon in CLEAN jug (not from milk!)i.e. from bottled water
◦ Not all water is created equal◦ Water quality can change over time
Especially community water
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Dr. Richard G. Snyder 11/10/2009
Greenhouse Tomatiology 4
#8 Temperature Control
Heaters (64˚ F min)Fans (keep it under 90˚ F)VentsVentsHAFShade Materials?Pad & Fan system?Fogging?
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#9 How Many Plants?Plant Population5 square feet per plant
Length X width / 5 = number of plants24 X 96 460 plants
3 or 4 plants for 2 cubic foot lay‐flat bag2 plants per 5 or 7 ½ gallon upright bag or 5 gallon nursery bucket
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#10 VarietyChoose a good variety.Pick a greenhouse variety.Look for
Good yield & sizeRed colorExcellent disease resistanceFree of disorders
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#11 Choose a good growing mediumPine bark (composted fines)PerliteCoconut coirRockwoolPeat‐lite mixesSoilSandNewer Alternatives
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#12 Have the right tools of the tradePollinator or bumblebee hive
(Class A, B, C)
pH meterEC meterEC meterHigh/low thermometer
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#13 Design A Good Irrigation SystemNot as simple as it sounds.Get help from an irrigation engineer.Choose proper emitters.Use filters.Plan for fertigation.
Bulk tankInjector
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Dr. Richard G. Snyder 11/10/2009
Greenhouse Tomatiology 5
Use a greenhousehydroponic tomato fertilizer.Use correct pH (5.6‐5.8).
#14 Fertility & Nutrition
p (5 5 )Get regular tissue analysis.
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#15 Have A Support System*
Wire HeightAverage – 7 feet above ground.Higher for the taller grower.Lower for the shorter grower.
B i h d Be sure it has good support.600 plants can weigh 3 to 4 tons!
3 feet apart in V‐formation over row.Tie strings to wire and clip to base of plant.
*note: this does not refer to group therapy, but that may be useful as well.
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#16 Be prepared for Insects and Diseases.
They happen.Insects do not know if you are organic.Prevention works best.Greenhouse structure does not prevent insects and diseases from getting in.Consider a double door entry.Consult with your Pest Management Specialists
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#17 Do Not Use Herbicides In The Greenhouse.
Do not use Roundup in the greenhouse.Do not use Roundup outside the greenhouse when plants are inside the greenhouse.Do not use any herbicides in the greenhouse.y gDo not use any herbicides outside the greenhouse when plants are inside the greenhouse.
Quiz – Which Herbicide is OK to use in GH?
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#18 Maintain your equipment
HeatersShould be ready in advance of
dneed.
FansVentsEmittersInjectorsPumps
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#19 Use a Vented Heater ONLY.
Heaters must be vented to the outside with a stack.Do not use any space heaters in the greenhouse which exhaust into the greenhouse.Do not use so‐called “100% efficient heaters”.Ventless heaters may be ok for chickens, but NOT for tomatoes.Ethylene and carbon monoxide in exhaust gas will kill flowers, severely reducing yield.
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Greenhouse Tomatiology 6
#20 Worry!Check your work.Use pH and EC meter to check nutrient solution daily and after mixing.Use a gallon jug to check volume per dayUse a gallon jug to check volume per day.Walk the greenhouse every day.
Look for wilting plants.Look for critters.
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#21 Use Diagnostics Resources When Needed.
Local County Agent or Area Horticulture Agent.Extension Vegetable Specialist.Digital diagnostics.Diagnostics laboratory.Diagnostics laboratory.Email list.Friends in the business.
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#22 Know Your Role.GrowerSellerMarketerPromoterIndustry Representative
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#23 Know Your Product –What’s So Good About It?
Vine ripenedGood red colorGreat flavorLocally grownLocally grownNot breakers or gassedUniform size and shapeHigh nutrition value & other health benefitsExcellent quality
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TomatoNutrition
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#24 Sell Quality.Grade your fruit well.Do not sell cull or #2 and #1 fruit to same buyer.Build your reputation for high quality.y p g q yKeep your customers happy.Aim for repeat business!Develop a brand name customers associate with high quality.Logo
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Greenhouse Tomatiology 7
#25 Know When to Harvest.Red ‐ same day retailLight red ‐ retail and close wholesalePink ‐ wholesale close and mid rangeTurning ‐ wholesale long range
Light Red
Red Ripe
g g gBreaker ‐ neverGreen ‐ NEVER EVER
Well, maybe for fried green tomatoes.
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Green Breaker Turning Pink
Greenhouse Tomato HandbookGreenhouse Tomato Growers’ GlossaryEnvironmental Control for Greenhouse Tomatoes
#26 Publication Resources
Greenhouse Tomatoes ‐ Pest Management in MississippiBudget For Greenhouse TomatoesA Spreadsheet Approach to Fertilization Management for Greenhouse Tomatoes
11/10/2009 All are on the web site.
Greenhouse Tomato Handbook
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Also available in Spanish
Greenhouse Tomato FAQ:www.msucares.com/crops/comhort/greenhouse.html
#27 Internet Resources
Greenhouse Tomato Short Course:www.greenhousetomatosc.com
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Greenhouse Tomato Short Course
Jackson, Mississippi areaMarch 9 ‐ 10, 2010Expert SpeakersEducational Materials
www.greenhousetomatosc.com
Growers from 20+ statesMost Meals IncludedExhibitors
Educational Materials
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Thanks for coming.
Questions?
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