Microclimate of Cut Roses during Winter Production
MSc-thesis abstract (submitted 27 February 2017): Improvements in climate control and disease management of cut rose cultivation can be made by the thorough understanding of the microclimate in the crop.
The aim of this research was to study this microclimate. The temporal and spatial humidity, air temperature and leaf temperature in relation to its ambient temperature were analysed in a semi-commercial greenhouse setting. Relevant sensors were installed in the rose crop. The microclimates at the bent, bottom, middle, top and above canopy were analysed.
The results showed that the climate in the middle of the crop was cooler and more humid than climate at the top, bottom and bent canopy.
The leaf temperature relative to the ambient temperature differed at each location in the crop. The leaves at bent canopy experienced a temperature excess whenever heating pipes where on. Whereas, leaves at top canopy experienced excess temperature only during the times when there was shortwave radiation in the greenhouse.
A multiple regression analysis for Tleaf-Tair was done using some independent variables which are important for the leaf energy balance (air temperature, VPDleaf, PAR and heating tube temperature).
The results of the regression analysis further certified that different positions in the crop showed different sensitivity to the variables tested.
The leaf temperature relative to the ambient temperature differed at each location in the crop. The leaves at bent canopy experienced a temperature excess whenever heating pipes where on. Whereas, leaves at top canopy experienced excess temperature only during the times when there was shortwave radiation in the greenhouse.
A multiple regression analysis for Tleaf-Tair was done using some independent variables which are important for the leaf energy balance (air temperature, VPDleaf, PAR and heating tube temperature).
The results of the regression analysis further certified that different positions in the crop showed different sensitivity to the variables tested.