Identification of greenhouse characteristics which affect the incidence ofSclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de bary in pepper crops in a Mediterraneanclimate
A. Cuadrado et al., Identification of greenhouse characteristics which affect the incidence ofSclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de bary in pepper crops in a Mediterraneanclimate, EUR J PL P, 106(2), 2000, pp. 117-122
The effect of the main construction factors and design features of greenhou
ses on the incidence of 'white rot' disease, caused by Sclerotinia scleroti
orum (Lib.) de Bary, was studied in peppers grown under plastic-roofed gree
nhouses typical of Almeria (SE Spain). At the height of the pepper-growing
season in the province, fifty greenhouses were repeatedly sampled. Incidenc
e of the disease was measured and the different construction features of th
e greenhouses were evaluated: types of roof cover, colour and age of the pl
astic cover, dimensions (ground plan, surface area, average height), estima
ted ventilation capacity and the presence of netting on the sides of the gr
eenhouses (laterals). Statistical analyses were undertaken to see if the ch
oice of various design options for each factor had any significant influenc
e on the incidence of the disease. To achieve this single factor ANOVA was
undertaken. The incidence of this disease was significantly affected (p < 0
.05) by the following greenhouse characteristics: ground plan, surface area
, mean height, colour of the plastic cover, estimated ventilation and use o
f lateral netting.