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Improving greenhouse production of French bean, kohlrabi and kale by GAP implementation

Due to short growing period, French bean and kohlrabi have great potential for growing in different types of greenhouses as previous crop in early spring or as second crop in autumn. Kale is suitable for winter and early spring production in unheated greenhouses because of its tolerance to low temperatures. Despite to their suitability, these vegetables are rarely grown in greenhouses in South-East Europe. To achieve high and quality yield, small-scale greenhouse producers should apply some practices during the growing period. Kohlrabi and kale seedlings for winter-spring production should be grown in heated greenhouse, and for summer-autumn production should be grown in well ventilated and shaded greenhouse due to lower temperature requirements of these species. It is also recommended to grow French bean from seedlings for an early spring production and to use the French bean seed inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria to increase nitrogen fixation by root. Nutrients supply should be based on soil analysis and crop requirements. Black polyethylene mulch has to be applied to ensure optimal soil temperature during early spring production. For summer-autumn production of kohlrabi and kale white mulch should be used to avoid high soil temperatures. Drip irrigation system placed under the mulch foil and used for irrigation and fertigation according to plant development stages, physical characteristics of the soil and greenhouse climatic conditions will result with optimal plant growth and development, without physiological disorders. Plant protection measures should be in accordance with Integrated Pest Management principles and recommendations, which combines a number of measures and processes with the aim to reduce the use of pesticides. Application of mentioned practices, especially in greenhouses heated with renewable energy sources will result with increased sustainability, yield and quality, and extended marked supply period. Consequently, producers will become more competitive in the fresh vegetable markets.

Phaseolus vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris, Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala, seed inoculation, mulching, fertigation

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