Estimation of Harvest Time Based on Cumulative Temperatures to Produce High-Quality Cherry Tomatoes in a Plant Factory

Summary

Harvest time is one of the key factors for obtaining high-quality cherry tomatoes. This parameter depends on environmental conditions and tomato variety. In plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), it is possible to control environmental conditions to enhance tomato production and quality. Since the ripening status of tomato fruit is correlated with cumulative temperature (CT), and the temperature inside PFALs can be easily controlled, CT could be used as an alternative method to predict tomato harvest time. In this study, three experiments were conducted to determine the optimal CT for harvesting high-quality cherry tomatoes in a PFAL. The experiments aimed to (1) evaluate the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes as affected by different harvest times based on CT (ranging from 90