Experimental research on the variation of microclimate factors in healing tunnels designed for grafted vegetable seedlings

Abstract

During the healing process, the scion and the rootstock must establish vascular connection, which is considered the most critical process in the production of grafted vegetables. Therefore, the healing process must be carried out in a monitored and controlled environment, in special healing areas, where parameters characterizing the microclimate must be maintained at the optimal values, ideally with great precision. The main objective of the current experiment was to analyse the variation of microclimate factors in the curing and acclimatization chambers of grafted vegetable seedlings during specific technological phase. The measurements of different abiotic factors such as relative humidity, temperature, light radiation intensity and CO2 concentration were carried out inside an experimental research healing tunnel situated inside a greenhouse. After grafting, the grafted seedlings were placed in specialized enclosures for their healing and the results shown that variations of the plants density and determined microclimate factors significantly affect the quality of seedlings. Because the stages of obtaining grafted seedlings are relatively short, fluctuations in environmental factors can have dramatic effects on the quality and quantity of grafted seedling production. Such a study of the prediction of microclimate factors must lead to the development of a versatile prediction model that can be used in any climatic conditions, at any time of the year and in any geographical location.