Effects of rain-shelter cultivation on tomato in subtropical China

ABSTRACT This study compares the effects of rain-shelter and open-air farming on tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth, yield, fruit quality and late blight resistance in subtropical China. Three treatment groups were evaluated at Guangxi Province’s tomato production facilities. Rain-shelter cultivation yielded significant benefits, with plants growing 30% taller than in open-air conditions and increasing stem diameter by 15%. Root mass and shoot mass were also notably higher in the rain-shelter group, with increases of 20% and 25%, respectively. Fruit quality features were significantly improved, with mean single fruit weight and volume increasing by 50% and 40%, respectively, compared with open-air cultivation. The ascorbic acid content in tomatoes under rain-shelter was 20% higher, highlighting its nutritional benefits. Assessment of late blight infections showed a dramatic reduction in disease incidence in the rain-shelter group, with only 5% incidence compared with 100% in open-air cultivation. This resulted in a significant increase in yields, with the rain-shelter group yielding 10000 kg · 0.0667 ha −1 compared with 661 kg · 0.0667 ha −1 in the open-air. Economic analysis revealed higher gross and net returns in rain-shelter cultivation due to improved yields and lower disease management costs. In conclusion, rain-shelter cultivation emerges as an effective strategy for increasing tomato production in subtropical China, with enhanced growth, fruit quality, disease resistance and economic benefits.