Effect of application of soil solarization on biological control of soil pathogens and vegetable yield in greenhouse

Abstract

The development of weeds and soil pathogens in greenhouse significantly reduces the yield of cultivated crops. Suppression of soil pathogens using conventional methods (chemicals) leads to contamination of both soil and water. An alternative method is a solarization - biological soil disinfection using high temperatures under the influence of solar energy. The influence of solarization on the development of weeds, as well as diseases in three vegetable species: tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, was examined in the greenhouses of the Institute for Vegetable Crops. The effect of solarization on the yield of these crops was also examined. The experiment was carried out in 2 greenhouses. Solarization was carried out in one greenhouse for 8 weeks. In the second greenhouse, the process of solarization was not carried out and it served as a control to evaluate the effects of solarization. The irrigation, as well as the basic and supplementary nutrition of the plants, was done in the same way in both greenhouses. The results showed significantly less weed development after solarization, symptoms of the disease were less frequent and milder in plants grown in a solarized greenhouse. The yield of all three species was significantly higher in the greenhouse where the solarization was carried out. The yield of peppers was 9.94% higher, tomatoes 4.37% and cucumbers 38.46% higher than the yields in control, greenhouses. The application of this method of soil disinfection in a greenhouse is significant for producers, breeders, and seed producers. The use of chemicals for soil disinfection and plant protection is decreasing, which is in line with the principles of organic production, which is becoming more and more prevalent in our areas.