Modifying microclimatic conditions in plastic walk-in tunnels through solar energy system for improving yield and quality of four sweet pepper hybrids

摘要

Solar energy has become a clean, renewable, and alternative energy source. The use of solar energy for adjusting the micro-climate under walk-in tunnel was studied on pepper crop. Growth, yield and quality of four sweet pepper hybrids (Capia, 35/114, 35/134 and Egamen) were estimated during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 winter seasons under modified tunnel by heat/cool systems compared to traditional one. One solar heater (200 L) was used to provide hot water for heating purpose, however the electricity power resource was from photovoltaic model (2 KW) working by solar radiation. The results indicated that the heating/ cooling systems were effective in modifying the micro-climatic conditions and improved pepper growth, yield and quality. The plants grown under modified tunnel had higher vegetative growth parameters compared to those under traditional tunnel. Moreover, an increase in market yield with high percent of grade 1, number of fruits, average fruit weight and length was obtained.