Effects of greenhouse technology on the growth and yield of tomato in the transitional zone of Ghana

Abstract

Greenhouse technology has become a widely accepted and profitable system for vegetable (tomato) production particularly in Ghana. With the increasing demand for tomatoes on daily basis, there is the need to increase productivity. However, the production of tomato in Ghana is limited by harsh climate, drought, capital and inadequate knowledge on the use of modern methods such as greenhouse technology. Hence, the purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of greenhouse technology on the growth and yield of tomato in the transitional zone of Ghana. The experiment was conducted at the Multipurpose Crop Nursery, of the former University of Education, Winneba now AAMUSTED -College of Agriculture Education Mampong campus from 19th August, 2019 to 30th November, 2019. The experimental design used for the study was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two treatments made up of greenhouse technology and open field. Parameters measured included: plant height, number of branches, stem girth, number of flowers, number of fruits harvested, harvested fruit weight, matured vertical fruit length and diameter and economic analysis. The data collected were analyzed using the Students T-test using GenStat version 11.1 (2008). Results from the study showed that plant height, number of branches and stem girth were significantly higher (P<0.05) among tomato plants grown in the open field as compared with tomato plants grown under the greenhouse technology. Number of harvested fruits, harvested fruit weight, matured vertical fruit length and diameter were significantly (P<0.05) highest among tomato plants grown under the greenhouse technology as compared with tomatoes plant grown in the open field. This study concludes that greenhouse technology increased the yield of tomatoes with higher economic returns. The study recommends that farmers should adopt greenhouse technology, since it gave higher productivity and economic returns.