PERFORMANCE OF A POLY-GREENHOUSE WITH DIFFERENT VENTILATION GAPS UNDER FAYOUM CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

Four different poly-greenhouse models were compared with the open field condition at El-Azab village, Fayoum, Egypt from 18th January to 30th July, 2010. Production of chili pepper in greenhouses was an effective way of increasing the yield per unit area and enhancing its quality. Therefore, different sized poly-greenhouse ventilation gaps with 25% shade net and UV stabilized plastic film sheet materials were used. The thermal performance of the greenhouse models and their effects on the growth rate and yield of chili pepper were investigated. The obtained results indicated that the air temperature in the open field condition was lower than in the poly-greenhouse treatments throughout the growth period of chili peppers bushes. Production of chilli pepper in greenhouse was an effective way of increasing the yield per unit area and enhancing the quality. Poly-greenhouse model with ventilation gaps in the triangular roof and four sidewalls (T3) was found more suitable for better plant growth and yield of chili pepper than those with the other ventilation gaps in poly-greenhouse models and open field condition.