Evaluation of Humid Tropical Screenhouse in Lowland Area: Doctoral Dissertation

The cultivation of vegetables in the humid tropics, which are mostly characterized by high temperature and humidity, abundant solar radiation throughout the year and occasionally high rainfall, is a vast challenge as well as a great opportunity. High humidity as a consequence of heavy rainfall and high temperatures are to be mentioned as the predominant constraints for vegetable production in the humid tropics. Furthermore infestations by pests and diseases lead to severe crop-damages, thus, the consumption of pesticides increases remarkably. In order to address these problems, an adapted greenhouse, having large ventilation opening area at 105% of total floor surface area and covered with insect-proof nets has been developed and tested. The main goal of this recent study was to investigate the physical and technical basis of an integrated management system of an adapted greenhouse for sustainable vegetables production in the humid tropics.