INCREASING SUSTAINABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

1. To study the effects of plasticulture technologies on: a) microenvironmental modification and heat stress amelioration, b) plant physiological responses and fruit yield and quality, c) the interaction among plants, insects and pathogens in vegetable crops under both conventional and sustainable/organic production systems, and d) season extension.2. To study the effects of irrigation and fertilization management on: a) water and fertilizer use efficiency and b) plant growth, fruit yield and quality in vegetable crops.