Formation of the temperature regime and development of eggplant under temporary tunnel-type shelters in the Central Non-Chernozem region

Relevance. In the Central Non-Chernozem region, the cultivation of thermophilic vegetable crops is constrained by insufficient heat resources, a high probability of recurrent spring frosts, and considerable weather variability. To mitigate the impact of these adverse factors, temporary tunnel-type shelters are increasingly used. They enable transplanting seedlings 2–3 weeks earlier than conventional planting dates, protect plants from spring frosts, excessive moisture, and sharp temperature fluctuations, and extend the fruiting period in autumn.
Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of temporary tunnel-type shelters on the temperature regime, duration of interphase developmental periods, and accumulation of active temperatures in eggplant under different irrigation regimes and mineral fertilizer application in the Central Non-Chernozem region.
Materials and Methods. The study was based on experimental data obtained during 2022–2024 at the fields of LLC Sergievskoye (Kolomensky District, Moscow Region) during eggplant cultivation. The crop was grown under temporary tunnel shelters in combination with drip irrigation. The analysis included the temperature regime, accumulation of effective temperatures, and the duration of interphase developmental periods.
Results. The study demonstrated that temporary tunnel-type shelters increased air temperature by 5–10°C and enhanced the accumulation of effective temperatures by 500–600°C compared with openfield conditions. The increase in air temperature and the formation of a favorable microclimate under the shelters accelerated the progression of phenological stages, shortened the growing season, and enabled earlier crop production. The use of tunnel shelters reduced the growing period from 130–135 to 113–117 days, allowing marketable yield to be obtained 17–18 days earlier than under open-field cultivation.
Conclusion. Temporary tunnel-type shelters are an effective tool for managing agroclimatic conditions in risk-prone farming areas. Their application compensates for heat deficits and contributes to the sustainable production of vegetable crops. The greatest effect is achieved when tunnel shelters are integrated with drip irrigation and appropriate agronomic practices.

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