Year-round Vegetable Production Research Articles

Economic Viability and Seasonal Impacts of Integrated Rice-Prawn-Vegetable Farming on Agricultural Households in Southwest Bangladesh

Integrated aquaculture is an efficient method to address food scarcity and land resources. This study analysed the impacts of integrated rice–prawn–vegetable farms (RPVF) compared with conventional rice farms (CRF) on farming households in southwest Bangladesh, in terms of cropping pattern, financial profitability and viability, and cash-flow. Data were collected through face-to-face recall interviews from farmers of CRF and RPVF. For RPVF, farmers cultivated diverse produce in the wet season, such as prawn/shrimp, carps in reservoirs and vegetables on dikes, and boro rice with vegetables in the dry season, whereas only rice was cultivated in both seasons for CRF. The annual hectare−1 net revenue from integrated RPVF was USD 2742.7, 3.6 times higher than for CRF (USD 756.6). RPVF had a higher undiscounted benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.58 as compared with 1.34 for CRF. Net Present Value (NPV) and discounted BCR show that the integrated RPVF has higher potential and profitability than CRF. Year-round vegetable production and selling have resulted in a smooth cash-flow in integrated RPVF. Authorised extension agencies, such as the Department of Fisheries and Department of Agricultural Extension collaboratively can promote RPVF in other potential parts of Bangladesh, through which farmers can benefit year after year by investing farm income for the same farm and envisage food security.

"Economic Feasibility of Capsicum Cultivation Under Greenhouse Condition – A Case Study"

"Greenhouse cultivation is one of the most promising emerging technologies in vegetable or flower crops, ensuring high quality and quantity. It also ensures year-round production of vegetables with high value in the market, particularly during the off-season. However, cost is the major concern in this technology. The present study focuses on the economic viability of capsicum cultivation under a naturally ventilated medium-cost greenhouse equipped with drip facility. The study was undertaken in the semi-arid region, a village called Saidapur of Sangareddy district near Hyderabad. The primary data were collected directly from the farmer through personal interview. The detailed data required for further evaluation were generated by the cost-accounting method. The feasibility of production under greenhouse was examined with the help of project evaluation methods such as Pay Back Period (PBP), Net Present Worth (NPW), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Returns (IRR). The actual worth of economic inputs with subsidy component (75%) provided by the Government was considered for detailed evaluation purposes. The capsicum cultivation under the greenhouse by availing above said subsidy was found highly feasible as indicated from shorter pay-back period, larger net-present worth, benefit-cost ratio of more than unity and IRR more than usual rate of interest of bank loans. However, the results also indicated that capsicum cultivation under a greenhouse without subsidy is not feasible economically."

Biostimulatory Action of a Plant-Derived Protein Hydrolysate on Morphological Traits, Photosynthetic Parameters, and Mineral Composition of Two Basil Cultivars Grown Hydroponically under Variable Electrical Conductivity

Hydroponics is a viable alternative to open field cultivation for year-round vegetable production in urban areas. However, the total dependence on external chemical inputs (fertilizers) makes these systems often less environmentally sustainable. In this perspective, the use of biostimulants could represent a valuable and eco-friendly tool to limit the excessive use of fertilizers without a negative impact on the yield. To this end, our work aimed to evaluate the productive and physiological response of two cultivars of ‘Genovese’ basil (Eleonora and Italiano Classico) for the industrial production of “pesto” grown for 22 days in two nutrient solutions with different electrical conductivity (1 and 2 dS m−1) and the application of two doses of protein hydrolysates (0.15- and 0.30-mL L−1 of Trainer® in the nutrient solution). The mineral profile was evaluated by ion chromatography coupled with a conductivity detector, while pigments were evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Generally, the nutrient solution concentration did not significantly affect the fresh yield of the two cultivars tested. On the contrary, the use of the maximum dose of biostimulant (BT2 = 0.30 mL L−1 of nutrient solution) increased fresh yield, leaf area, and ACO2 by 20.7, 27.5, and 17.6%, respectively, compared with the control. Using the lowest dose of biostimulant (BT1 = 0.15 mL L−1 of the nutrient solution) reduced nitrate by 6.6% compared with the control. The results obtained showed that basil cultivation in a floating raft system combined with biostimulant in the nutrient solution could be an excellent solution to improve productivity, reduce nitrate, and cut fertilizer costs.

Self-reliant in year-round vegetable production through kitchen garden in Indo-Gangetic Plains

The government of India has long been striving to increase the food and nutritional security of rural and urban households. In this regard, kitchen/homestead gardens of limited available space can play an important role in fullfilling the demand for year-round diversified vegetable requirements. Considering the scope to self-reliant in year-round vegetable production and consumption through kitchen garden model, a field experiment was conducted for consecutive two years (2018–19) at the homestead garden of ICAR - IIFSR Modipuram Meerut. A total of 28 vegetables were selected for year-round vegetable cultivation and were planted in 15 beds varied from 2 to 8 m2. The year-round vegetable patterns under each bed were grown into 3 to 4 cropping seasons. The fifteen cropping patterns were arranged in 62 m2 net areas. The total year-round production of vegetables was 568.7 kg from 62 m2 net areas. Among the different groups of vegetables, 196 kg of root, bulb and tubers vegetables; 160.1 kg leafy and flower vegetables; 184.6 kg of fruit/vegetables and 25.8 kg of leguminous vegetables were obtained from 62 m2 net areas. In our finding, nearly 163 kg vegetable shortage to fullfills the demand of 5 members household. The shortage quantity of vegetables 163 kg can be obtained from increasing 18 m2 net areas in addition to exiting 62 m2. Notably, this model which fullfill the household demands of year-round vegetable requirements in a sustainable way as well as improve the food and nutritional security.

Influence of Topping and Spacing on Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Under Greenhouse Condition

Tomato is an important vegetable in Ghanaian diet and contributes enormously in livelihood improvement. Tomato production is threatened by a high prevalence of biotic and abiotic stresses as well as increased postharvest losses and poor agronomic practices, thereby resulting in massive importation of tomato and its products to meet the local demands. The recent introduction of greenhouse vegetable cultivation technology in Ghana is a sustainable attempt in addressing and ensuring year-round production of vegetables including tomato. However, research on agronomic practices targeted to improving yield and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions in Ghana is scarcely available. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the effect of plant spacing and topping on tomato yield and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions. A 3 ×3 factorial treatment arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was used. Two factors, plant spacing and topping with each having three levels, were used. Thus, the levels for plant spacing were 0.15 m × 1.3 m, 0.2 m × 1.3 m, and 0.3 m × 1.3 m while topping treatments at trusses 2, 3, and 4 (control) were done. The results showed that yield was significantly influenced by plant spacing in both experiments. The interaction effect of 0.2 m × 1.3 m plant spacing and topping at truss 2 showed significantly higher yields. Furthermore, juice volume was significantly increased by plant spacing. Again, 0.2 m × 1.3 m plant spacing by truss 2 topping interaction produced the highest juice volume. Therefore, these agronomic practices could be an essential and effective approach in achieving higher tomato production with improved fruit quality under greenhouse cultivation to ensure sustainable food security.

Crop Modeling Application to Improve Irrigation Efficiency in Year-Round Vegetable Production in the Texas Winter Garden Region

Given a rising demand for quality assurance, rather than solely yield, supplemental irrigation plays an important role to ensure the viability and profitability of vegetable crops from unpredictable changes in weather. However, under drought conditions, agricultural irrigation is often given low priority for water allocation. This reduced water availability for agriculture calls for techniques with greater irrigation efficiency, that do not compromise crop quality and yield, and that provide economic benefit for producers. This study developed vegetable growing models for eight different vegetable crops (bush bean, green bean, cabbage, peppermint, spearmint, yellow straight neck squash, zucchini, and bell pepper) based on data from several years of field research. The ALMANAC model accurately simulated yields and water use efficiency (WUE) of all eight vegetables. The developed vegetable models were used to evaluate the effects of various irrigation regimes on vegetable growth and production in several locations in the Winter Garden Region of Texas, under variable weather conditions. Based on our simulation results from 960 scenarios, optimal irrigation amounts that produce high yield as well as reasonable economic profit to producers were determined for each vegetable crop. Overall, yields for all vegetables increased as irrigation amounts increased. However, irrigation amounts did not have a sustainable impact on vegetable yield at high irrigation treatments, and the WUEs of most vegetables were not significantly different among various irrigation regimes. When vegetable yields were compared with water cost, the rate decreased as irrigation amounts increased. Thus, producers will not receive economic benefits when vegetable irrigation water demand is too high.

Current Status and Breeding Perspectives of Major Vegetable Crops in Thailand

The climate of Thailand is appropriate for year-round production of vegetables whose domestic market share has continuously increased and production contributes significantly to the export. However, technology of vegetable breeding and cultivation is still in its early stage of development, compared to developed countries. Information on the major crops and their leading cultivars or varieties is prerequisite for establishing appropriate breeding strategies and developing cultivation technologies for vegetables. This article provides the current state of five major vegetables in Thailand such as chili (Capsicum annuum L. and C. frutescens L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.), yard long bean (Vigna sesquipedalis L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), with their leading cultivars or varieties and traits that consumers in Thailand prefer. Breeding perspectives of these major vegetables in Thailand were also discussed.

Solar Energy as an Alternative for an All Year Round Production of Vegetables in Anambra, Nigeria

Epileptic power supply is a major problem in Nigeria and one of the ways Nigerians have solving this challenge is by using renewable energy as an alternative power supply in place fossil fuels. Among renewable energy sources, solar is the most important because it is available in this part of the world. This energy source is also used in various industries including agriculture and it can be used in irrigation and sprinklers in farmer’s vegetable farm. This research was carried out through field visitations and extensive literature on the performance of photovoltaic modules. This paper outlines the use of solar water pump for irrigation in vegetable farms, the benefits and concludes with suggested recommendations which can help production of vegetables during dry season in Anambra State. It aims at contributing a better understanding of the potential impact of solar photovoltaic (PV) on sustainable production of vegetables with special attention to the effect of income generating activities in the State. It is known that during dry season, vegetables do not get enough water, sometimes these agricultural products are very scarce and expensive. Solar photovoltaic water pumping is found to be economically viable in comparison to electricity or diesel based systems for irrigation and sprinklers in the vegetable farm. Solar photovoltaic water pumping is therefore, an attractive alternative for irrigation and sprinklers in Nigerian vegetable farm due to the huge solar potential in the country.

Heating demand and economic feasibility analysis for year-round vegetable production in Canadian Prairies greenhouses

Greenhouse vegetable production in Canadian Prairies is important for creating a sustainable regional food economy, especially in northern communities. This study included the estimation of heating demand for year-round production and evaluation of the economic feasibility of greenhouse vegetable production (tomato, cucumber, and pepper) in a conceptually designed greenhouse (0.6 ha) located in remote northern communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. The heating simulation was based on a greenhouse heating simulation model (GREENHEAT) developed by the authors recently. The simulation results showed that the annual heating requirement for the production of tomato, cucumber, and pepper are 1486 MJ m−2, 1657 MJ m−2, and 1754 MJ m−2, respectively. The economic analysis indicates the net return (NR) from the production of tomato, cucumber, and pepper, are C$69.2/m2 (in Canadian dollar, CAD), C$41.5/m2, and C$43.8/m2, respectively, based on the market price C$3.5/kg, C$2.7/kg, and C$8.0/kg, and yields of 55.0 kg m−2, 65.0 kg m−2, and 23.0 kg m−2. The net present value (NPV) for the tomato, cucumber, and pepper production are C$1.9 M, C$1.2 M, and C$1.1 M, respectively, and the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) are 1.38, 1.21, and 1.21. The economic feasibility analysis indicates the year-round production of vegetables in a greenhouse at remote northern Saskatchewan would be economically profitable.

Investment appraisal and risk assessment of protected vegetable cultivation under Leyte conditions

Protected cropping technology has been introduced to address the inability of farmers to achieve a successful year-round vegetable production. However, small scale farmers are reluctant to adopt this technology due to huge investment costs and the risk associated with extreme weather conditions. Hence, this study was conducted in some parts of Leyte, to evaluate the profitability and assess the risk of protected and open-field cultivation during the occurrence of extreme weather conditions such as tropical cyclones and strong wind phenomena. Results show that protected cultivation generates higher yields compared to open field cultivation. In Baybay site, investment on steel-type high-strength-tunnel covered with polyethylene plastic is the most viable option as it attained the highest net present values (NPVs), benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) and internal rate of return (IRRs). It also has the earliest payback period across different climatic scenarios. At the Cabintan site, the low-tunnel-structure is the most viable when a high-end market is established. This implies that market outlet is one of the critical factors affecting profitability and pricing. Given the potential of protected cultivation in minimizing crop failures, it is recommended that the government and private sector shall extend financial and technical assistance to farmers. Investors shall be covered with crop and structure insurances as risk of crop failures and loss of capital is high during inclement weather conditions.

Sustainable vegetable production through the use of low-cost protective structures: a farmer’s experience in Bontoc, southern Leyte, Philippines

For years, Lucio Boie' R. Gerona, a civil engineer by profession but with a passion for business and farming by family orientation, had been dreaming of becoming a progressive farmer. Countless attempts in farming on his self-acquired land in Pamahawan, Bontoc, southern Leyte, Philippines, were made but often failed and/or were non-profitable. Among the many constraints, he found continuous heavy rains the most difficult and almost impossible to manage. With the use of protective structures (curved-roof and vent types with plastic roofing and bamboo framings) as rain shelters, year-round production of vegetables was made possible. Results showed that yields of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), ampalaya (Momordica charantia L.), and two croppings of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) were consistently higher with gross margins of nearly three fold as compared with those in the open field. Yields of two croppings of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.), which were planted during the dry months, were also high although statistically comparable with those in the open field, which was understandable since watermelon is a sun-loving crop. With the adoption of the technology, Boie attained rewarding outcomes: sustained productivity and profitability which enabled him to put up other farm improvements (irrigation system, enclosed structures for leafy vegetables, vermiculture shed and mini-piggery to start diversification); capacity building that allowed him to serve as a consultant/resource speaker/panelist in farmer's fora/FFDs/training sessions specifically on protected vegetable cultivation and marketing; and not to mention the enhanced publicity of his farm, which is now a favorite educational trip destination for many people from all walks of life.

Molecular Detection and Diversity Analysis of Some Potyviruses Associated with Mosaic Diseases of Papaya, Common Bean and Potato Growing in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal

Molecular Detection and Diversity Analysis of Some Potyviruses Associated with Mosaic Diseases of Papaya, Common Bean and Potato Growing in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal. Environmental condition of sub- Himalayan West Bengal and Brahmaputra valley of Assam is conducive to year round production of vegetables and fruit crops. The crops of the region are also proving to viral diseases. Several symptoms of viral diseases are found in the fields of sub-Himalayan West Bengal. Mosaic symptoms one of the important disease symptom of the area. Mosaic symptoms containing samples of papaya, common bean and potato of the region were studied for causal pathogenic viruses of the crops. As most the symptoms matched with potyvirus symptoms found elsewhere. The detection of the viruses was made by universal potyvirus primers. Analysis of the viruses was also made for identification of the viruses. .

Influence of weather and growing environment on vegetable growth and yield

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India to screen ten vegetables for cultivation under shadenet house (33% shade) and open field for year round production of vegetables. Tomato, eggplant, chilli, cucumber, cluster bean, radish, amaranthus, coriander, bhendi and capsicum were grown in the summer and winter. The influence of environmental variables temperature, relative humidity and light intensity were studied. Tomato, eggplant, chilli, cucumber, radish, amaranthus and coriander registered better performance for growth and yield during both seasons. Cluster bean performed well in the open field during both seasons. Relative humidity was always higher under shadenet house than in open field during both seasons. Light intensity in the shadenet house was lower than in the open field. Mean weekly temperature during summer and winter were higher under open field conditions than in the shadenet house. Lower temperature caused plant height, number of branches, internodal length, average fruit weight and yield per plant to be higher in the shadenet house than in the open field. Hence, the growing of tomato, eggplant, chilli, cucumber, radish, amaranthus and coriander under shade house conditions will be more profitable irrespective of the seasons. Key words: Shadenet cultivation, season, quality.

IMPROVING GREENHOUSE HEATING IN PORTUGAL

Although several new solutions for greenhouse heating and environmental control are being investigated all over the world; to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts, to increase the efficiency of energy use for plant production in protected cultivation or to take advantage of the new renewable energy sources, in Portugal the great majority of producers still rely on more conventional heating systems for an economical year round production of vegetables and flowers. The objective of this work is to review some guidelines to help the grower when choosing the best heating solutions for different crops and cultivation systems. First, the level of heating required is defined and the correspondent heating power is analysed. Secondly, the main heating systems are mentioned including their components, characteristics, effects on greenhouse climate, soil and plant temperature. Relative costs of equipment and energy consumption are analyzed and some examples of practical solutions are presented from vegetable and flower production growers. Finally, several strategies to reduce the energy required for greenhouse heating are given and studied, including greenhouse structures, covering materials, thermal screens, air temperature and humidity control. INTRODUCTION In Portugal many greenhouse growers of vegetables, flowers and some of pot plants do not use heating. They make the most of the external weather conditions to produce during the best periods of the year for their particular crops. So most greenhouses were built near the sea from the north near Porto, in the West region (in the centre) around Torres Vedras to the Algarve in the south at the Faro plain. Outside design air temperatures range from 0 to 6°C in most places in the continent but may rise up to 10°C in the Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores. This system of production, which is typical in the south of Europe, was called mild-winter greenhouse production (Meneses and Monteiro, 1993) and relies in a minimum investment in greenhouses. Climate control is mainly based on natural ventilation but leads to temperature, humidity and disease control problems during part of the year (Meneses et al., 1994). More recently some growers started thinking to improve their production system through a better greenhouse climate control, not only to extend the period of production for all year round but also to obtain vegetables and flowers out of season with higher yields and better quality for a more demanding Portuguese or European market. This paper was written to review some aspects to help the grower when choosing the heating systems and their heating strategies for different crops and cultivation systems. We will consider the heating requirements, the characteristics of different heating systems, their effects on greenhouse climate, relative costs and finally discuss some options to reduce the energy required for greenhouse heating. HEATING REQUIREMENTS To be able to choose the appropriate heating system the grower has to decide a jmeneses@isa.utl.pt Proc. IS on High Technology for Greenhouse Systems GreenSys2009 Ed.: M. Dorais Acta Hort. 893, ISHS 2011

IDE (India)'s market creation approach to development

Although drip irrigation is well-known to farmers in semi-arid regions of India, it is regarded as involving too great a capital investment for small and marginal farmers. This article describes the ADITI programme, which helped manufacturers develop a low-cost irrigation technology affordable by these farmers, which enables them to invest in horticulture and year-round vegetable production for the market. Existing irrigation equipment suppliers were involved in promoting the new technology and training farmers, and most of these suppliers have continued serving these farmers after the end of the programme.

サリナスバレーにおける野菜栽培とサラダ加工会社の広域的展開

Salinas Valley, California, is the leading lettuce-producing area in the United States. Production, processing and marketing of vegetables based in Salinas Valley are typical of the industrialized farming in the United States. This article intends to depict the dynamics of American agriculture by examining the activities of agribusiness with special reference to farming practices, land use, salad processing, and labor. Field studies were conducted in Salinas Valley and Imperial Valley.Production of lettuce in Salinas Valley began in the early 1920s when ice-packed lettuce began to be shipped by rail to the eastern market. Lettuce growers originally marketed lettuce in the spring, summer, and fall from Salinas Valley. From the mid-1920s they began winter harvesting of lettuce in the dry areas of southern California and Arizona, typically in Imperial Valley and Yuma Valley. With the completion of the California Aqueduct, Huron in the western part of San Joaquin Valley grew as a new lettuce-producing area in the 1970s to supply lettuce in April and October. The system of year-round production of vegetables was thus established in the 1970s. Outside capital was invested in Salinas Valley during this period to promote the agribusiness venture of lettuce production and marketing. Some growers shifted to processing ready-pack fresh vegetables in the 1980s by establishing large plants in Salinas Valley.The system of year-round supply of vegetables in Salinas Valley, Imperial Valley-Yuma Valley, and western San Joaquin Valley makes this part of the United States the leading produc of fresh vegetables in the world. Differences in climatic conditions, modern technology for preserving and transporting fresh vegetables, influx of large amounts of capital, availability of cheap labor, and improved infrastructure have combined to create this production complex. It plays an important role in the global supply of fresh vegetables as the produce is consumed not only in North America but also in Europe and Asia, including Japan.