Growing Crops in the Greenhouse

What are the general greenhouse practices used in the production of ornamental plants?

Key Questions
Why are environmental conditions on greenhouse crops

important? What are the various types of containers used for growing greenhouse crops? What are the functions of a good growing media and the components of soilless media? What are the different types of irrigation systems used in greenhouse production? What is the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers used in greenhouse production? What are the various methods of applying fertilizers to greenhouse crops? What are the different methods of pinching greenhouse crops? How are plant growth regulators used on greenhouse crops? What are the different practices of greenhouse integrated pest management?

Why are environmental conditions on greenhouse crops important?

Plant height and flowering are 2 commonly

controlled growth responses controlled by light Temperature affects photosynthesis and respiration Thermotropism- plant growth in response to temperature Thermoperiodic- plant response to changes in day and night temperature

Light Intensity
1. Allow adequate space for plants 2. Clean and maintain greenhouse coverings 3. Add artificial light 4. Reduce light intensity in summer months as

needed

Light Duration
1. Artificial lights can be used to extend the day 2. Light proof covers are used to reduce light

duration

Air
Contains oxygen and carbon dioxide which

are essential for respiration and photosynthesis Carbon dioxide fertilization uses special burners to increase CO2 which increases the rate of photosynthesis Humidity is water vapor in the air

Increases in humidity improve the growth rate of plants

What are the various types of containers used to grow greenhouse crops?
Rooting containers Peat pellets or peat pots- compressed peat moss Inorganic plastic or metal pots Bedding plant containers Most grown in cell packs that fit into 11 x 21 flats 36 or 48 or 72 cells Green and Flowering Plant Containers Standard pots Azalea pots Bulb pans Hanging Baskets Most are plastic 8 x 10 in diameter

What are the functions of a good growing media and the components of soilless media?
Media influences the cultural practices used

along with shipping costs and quality of product

Functions of the growing media

1. Moisture-holding capacity and aeration 2. Nutrient-holding capacity 3. Plant support 4. Repoducibility and availability

Components of Growing Media

1.

2.
3. 4.

5.

Peat Moss- moisture and nutrients Bark- substitution for peat moss Sand- increases aeration and drainage Perlite- increases aeration and drainage Vermiculite- holds nutrients and moisture Peat-lite mixes- common formulation of soilless media Bark-based mixes- commercially prepared bark based mixes that are substituted for sphagnum moss.

What are the different types of irrigation systems used in greenhouse production?
Hand watering- expensive and boring

Spaghettti tube irrigation

Widely used for potted plants. Water carried by a polyethylene tube to each pot Similar to spaghetti tube irrigation, except tube provides a steady drip with little runoff. Used with hanging baskets

Drip irrigation

 Ebb and flood Water is pumped into the system at regular intervals, filling benches where containers sit in the water Capillary mat system Form of subirrigation in which pots sit ona moist synthetic mat Overhead irrigation Water is supplied overhead by spray nozzles (commonly used for bedding plants

 Perimeter irrigation

Used on flowers in beds. PVC pipe is fitted around perimeter of the bed with emitters that spray over beds
Used in flower beds

Soaker hose

Watering Practices
1. Drainage- select growing media with proper

drainage 2. Timing- water prior to plant showing signs of deficiency 3. Amount- water thoroughly each time they are irrigated 4. Application- apply to the growing medium and not the foliage

What is the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers used in greenhouse production?
Organic fertilizers

Naturally occurring nutrient materials derived from plants or animals Synthetic nutrient compounds derived from mineral salts

Inorganic fertilizers

What are the various methods of applying fertilizers to greenhouse crops?

Two methods

Incorporation

Used when fertilizers is not subject to leaching

Topdressing

Used on long-term crops or weeds

Fertilizer proportioner

Used to introduce and meter the concentration of soluble liquid fertilizer into an irrigation system

Fertilizer Rates
Dry formulation is measured by weight

instead of volume
Soluble liquid fertilizers are measured and

applied in parts per million (ppm)

Monitoring Crop Nutrients

Visual observations

What are signs of deficiencies?

Media Testing Foliar analysis

What are the different methods of pinching greenhouse crops?

Pinching Simple form of pruning Used to encourage lateral branching 3 types Roll-out pinch- removal of meristematic tip of stem Soft pinch- removal of terminal bud and up to of stem Hard pinch- removal of terminal bud and more than of stem

Why are plant growth regulators used on greenhouse crops?

Common chemical growth regulators

Auxin- promotes rooting of cuttings Gibberellic acid- increases flowering on azalea, geranium, and cyclamens Ethephon- initiates flowering Height retardant- shortens stem internodes Chemical pinching agent- promotes branching

What are the different practices of greenhouse integrated pest management?

1. Pest entry prevention

Check all plants entering the greenhouse for pests Kill weeds inside/outside the greenhouse
Pasteurize growing media and disinfect benches, tools, and containers

2. Weed control

3. Sanitation practices

4. Crop inspection

Scout crop regularly for pests

Adjust environment to discourage pest development Identify pest and employ biological control measures or use pesticide

5. Environmental manipulation

6. Pest eradication