Greenhouse effect on growth and yield of tomato in the transitional zone of Ghana

Abstract

Tomato is one of the most popular vegetables consumed in Ghana. With the increasing demand for tomato on daily basis, there is the need to increase productivity. However, the production of tomato in Ghana is limited by harsh climate, drought and inadequate knowledge on the use of modern technology 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 4th August, 2020 to 30th November, 2020. The experimental design used for the study was Random Complete Block Design. Two treatments made up of greenhouse technology and open field were used. 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 analysed using the Student T-test using Genstast version 11.1. Results from the study revealed that plant height, number of branches and stem girth were significantly higher (P<0.05) among tomato plants grown in the open field 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 tomato plants grown in the open field. This study concludes that greenhouse technology increased the yield of tomato with higher economic returns. The study recommends that farmers should adopt greenhouse technology, since it gave higher productivity and economic returns.