Case studies of a modified biological simulator (TOMGRO) according to short cropping period

Abstract

The aim of this work was to perform a sensitivity analysis of a modified biological simulator (TOMGRO) in tomato crop during winter period. The modified biological simulator (TOMGRO) that used for case studies of the experiment has been developed and validated according short cropping period, cultivation techniques and climate conditions of countries and growers near Mediterranean. Sensitivity analysis was necessary in order to test simulator's behaviour according to different climate scenarios. Case studies were focused in the influence of temperature in tomato growth and production. For this purpose experiments were carried out in the farm of the University of Thessaly in the region of Velestino. Climate data were recorded inside and outside of the greenhouse area. Simultaneously biological data for tomato growth and production were recorded. Results showed that climate variation inside the greenhouse area causes of modification in tomato growth rate and production. It was found that temperature increase leads to: i) increasing the number of nodes, leaves and trusses of the plants, ii) reduction of dry weight of leaves, stems, fruits and plant leaf area, iii) simultaneous reduction of mature fruits number and iv) early production. The management of greenhouse climate can be made more efficient by using the case studies results from the biological model. A part of the conclusions will contribute to balance of earnings of a product's nominal value into the market, according to the management cost of the greenhouse equipment during the production process.