The Influence of Temperature Difference on Crop Physiological Process: Systematic Growth Analysis of Solanum lycopersicum (Tomatoes) in Both Greenhouse and Open Field

Barnabe Efeta; Uwamahoro Jeanne D'arc; Shimirwa Jean Claude; Ndokoye Pancras; Mbabazi Jonathan

doi:10.37284/eajab.8.2.3973

Barnabe Efeta University of Technology and Arts of Byumba
Uwamahoro Jeanne D'arc University of Technology and Arts of Byumba
Shimirwa Jean Claude University of Technology and Arts of Byumba
Ndokoye Pancras University of Technology and Arts of Byumba
Mbabazi Jonathan University of Technology and Arts of Byumba

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.8.2.3973

Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum, Greenhouse, Open field, Temperature variation, Growth rate, Physiological processes

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Abstract

This study investigated the effect of temperature variation on the physiological processes and growth of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) in both greenhouse and open‑field environments. The specific objectives were to (1) quantify weekly temperature differences in greenhouse versus open field, (2) analyse how these temperature differences influence tomato growth stages, and (3) compare growth trends between the two environments. Over the growing season, greenhouse temperatures varied by approximately ±1.0 °C weekly, while open‑field temperatures fluctuated by ±10.2 °C. Temperature influenced all measured growth parameters: for example, greenhouse plants were irrigated five times per day versus once or not at all in the open field. In the germination stage, plant heights ranged from 20 to 38 cm in the greenhouse compared to 12.5 to 24 cm in the open field. Consistent greenhouse temperatures resulted in higher yields, whereas large temperature swings in the open field increased the risk of total crop loss. Controlled environments also reduced pest and disease pressure. The researchers conclude that maintaining a narrow temperature range is critical for optimising tomato physiological processes (photosynthesis, transpiration, nutrient uptake, and pollination). The researchers recommend that farmers adopt greenhouse cultivation to stabilise temperatures, thereby maximising both the quality and quantity of tomato production

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