Abstract
Effect of changing the environmental factors in a greenhouse covered with double-layered air inflated plastic film (air-inflated greenhouse) on the growth and fruit yield of cucumber in semi-forcing culture was investigated. To determine the advantages, an air-inflated greenhouse was compared with a standard type plastic greenhouse (normal greenhouse). The room temperature, ground temperature and relative humidity were higher, but the solar radiation was lower in the air-inflated greenhouse than in the normal greenhouse. The growth and yield of cucumber were improved in the air-inflated greenhouse. The lower vapor pressure deficit observed in the air-inflated greenhouse increased the stomatal conductance. So the higher room temperature and relative humidity, and the lower vapor pressure deficit increase the photosynthetic rate which improved the yield in the air-inflated greenhouse. The double-layered air inflated greenhouse was effective for both reduction in fuel consumption and increase of fruit yield.
