Evaluation of a Greenhouse under Tropical Conditions Using Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) as the Test Crop

Abstract

Irish potato is a tuberous staple food predominantly grown in Plateau State, a temperate climate. As a result of the high demand for Irish potato, there is a shortage in its supply in Nigeria. The shortage in its supply could be attributed to climate change and the fall in the production level. This study sought to establish the potential of a greenhouse (GH) for the production of Irish potato in the tropics. The experiments were carried out in the rainy and dry seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Nicola, Diamant, Batita, New Seed and Okonkwo varieties of Irish potato were cultivated inside and outside the greenhouse. Thirty seedlings of each variety were planted using Completely Randomised Experimental Design. Greenhouse performance was evaluated in terms of air temperature, relative humidity, vapour pressure deficit, yield, stem diameter, stem height and dry matter content. The result of the analysis of variance revealed that the mean greenhouse and open-field temperature, relative humidity and vapour pressure deficit differed significantly at 0.01 during the rainy and dry season. The yield and growth data in and outside the greenhouse were significantly different at 0.01. Diamant, Batista and Okonkwo varieties are recommended for GH production.

Keywords

• greenhouse
• irish potato
• temperature
• climate
• tropical climate
• open field
• yield
• greenhouse
• experiments