MICROCLIMATE AND BROMELIADS PRODUCTION IN GREENHOUSES ASSOCIATED TO DIFFERENT SHADING SCREENS

Resumo

The bromeliads production in greenhouses is highly influenced by the microclimate, which affects plants growth and development. Based on that, this study had as objective to evaluate the influence of shading screens of different colors on microclimatic variables and Aechmea fasciata bromeliad growth in a greenhouse covered by transparent low-density polyethylene. The experiment had five treatments, with different colored screens inside the greenhouse: thermo-reflective (T1); control without screen (T2); red (T3); blue (T4); and black (T5), all of them with 70% of shading. An automatic micrometeorological station was installed in each treatment, recording temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation. The following plant variables were evaluated weekly: plant diameter and height, leaf width and number of leaves per plant. Plant height and leaf width did not differ among environments. Rosette diameter, leaf length and number of leaves showed significant differences, among treatments, as a function of solar radiation changes caused by the shading screens, with the red screen providing the best conditions for bromeliads production.