Mild Winter Concept and Cropping Systems in Solanacea Protected Cultivation

Abstract

The paper has two distinct parts. The former dealing with the difinition of the mild winter concept proposed by the autors explaning its contents associated with types of protected cultivation. The later describes the cropping systems that are analysed for various mild winter situations. Mild winter concept is analysed in 3 main components: (a) climate-winter solar radiation, rain distribution and minimum temperature of the coolest month; (b) physiological-craps most suitable to characterize it; (c) aconomics-trade constrains and potential consumers. Results of a worldwide survey of protected and open-field cultivation in countries having mild winter conditions are also presented considering (1) percentage of protected cultivation areas with tomato, sweet pepper, eggplant and non-solanacea crops; (2) percentage of solanacea areas in the open-field, under tunnels, and heated or non-heated greenhouses; (3) cropping cycles in relation with climate; (4) most important climatic limiting factors for out of season crapping; (5) destination of the production; (6) influence of protected cultivation on fruit quality and yield; <7) particular aspects as choise of cultivars, training systems and irrigation.

Pruning Date and Cane Density Affect Primocane Development and Yield of `Autumn Bliss' Red Raspberry

“…Plants of primocane fruiting cultivar 'Autumn Bliss' were planted in March 1993 in a sandy soil inside a nonheated greenhouse (3.5m high, 13.0m wide, and 30.0m long, with lateral and roof ventilation). The experimental farm was located at the southwestern coast of Portugal (37º latitude N), 4.0 km from the ocean and at 106 meters of altitude, under a mild winter climate (Monteiro and Portas, 1986). Rows were 1.6m apart, and a V trellis system (0.4 m at the base and 0.7 m at the top) was used to support the canes.…”