Summary
This field study compared glass and plastic greenhouse covers on the growth dynamics, dry matter accumulation and fruit quality of commercial Beefsteak tomatoes in Mexico. Glass covers produced faster exponential fruit growth during autumn months due to higher mean temperatures (closer to optimal range of 20–24 °C) and greater light transmittance, whilst plastic covers yielded a higher proportion of Premium-grade fruit during winter. Dry matter content was significantly influenced by season, with winter production showing higher final-stage accumulation in both cover types.
Regional applicability
The findings are moderately transferable to United Kingdom commercial greenhouse horticulture, particularly for winter tomato production systems. However, the UK's lower ambient temperatures and reduced solar radiation compared to Mexico mean that the relative performance of glass versus plastic covers may differ; UK growers typically operate at lower temperature extremes and may benefit more from the thermal retention of certain plastic films. The cultivar '7106' and soilless cultural systems referenced are internationally used, supporting applicability of cover-choice principles, though season-specific outcomes should be validated locally.
Key measures
Fruit equatorial diameter (growth curves fitted to Gompertz model), dry matter content (%), Premium fruit quality classification (%), mean daily temperature (°C), light radiation levels
Outcomes reported
The study measured fruit equatorial diameter growth over seven weeks, dry matter accumulation, and fruit quality (Premium classification) under glass versus plastic greenhouse covers across autumn and winter seasons. Environmental conditions (temperature and light) were also recorded to contextualise the effects on tomato physiology and yield.
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