Abstract
Papaya is a tropical fruit crop that in subtropical regions depends on protected cultivation to fulfill its climate requirements and remain productive. The aim of this work was to compare the profitability of different climate control strategies in greenhouses located in subtropical areas of southeast Spain. To do so, we compared papayas growing in a greenhouse equipped with active climate control (ACC), achieved by cooling and heating systems, versus plants growing in another greenhouse equipped with passive climate control (PCC), consisting of only natural ventilation through zenithal and lateral windows. The results showed that ACC favored papaya plant growth; flowering; fruit set; and, consequently, yields, producing more and heavier fruits at an affordable cost. Climate control strategies did not significantly improve fruit quality, specifically fruit skin color, acidity, and total soluble solids content. In conclusion, in the current context of prices, an active control of temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse could be a more profitable strategy in subtropical regions where open-air cultivation is not feasible.
Highlights
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the most consumed fruits in the world
This greenhouse was divided into 2 modules with 2 different climate control strategies, one based on a passive climate control (PCC) and the other on an active climate control (ACC)
Temperature and relative humidity recorded throughout the growing cycle in the PCC module and the ACC module are represented in Figures 1 and 2, respectively
Summary
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. The latest data in 2019 reported a total production of more than 13.7 million tons in more than 460,000 ha [1]. Temperatures below 20 ◦C or above 35 ◦C cause diverse flower malformations, reducing yield and fruit quality. Temperatures below 15 ◦C compromise papaya production, making it unsuitable for open field cultivation, whereas, on the other hand, temperatures above 30 ◦C limit photosynthesis and hinder the fertilization of the flowers, reducing yields [2,3,4]. Humidity that is too high favors flower malformations and misshapen fruit [6], as well as fungal diseases [7]. Humidity control to obtain an adequate vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in summer can improve fruit set and yield [4,8] and reduce mite pressure [9]
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