Estidamah explores the latest technologies in the 30th International Horticulture Congress (IHC2018)

^{Istanbul, Turkey, 12-16, August 2018}

Estidamah has actively explored the latest knowledge and leading technologies within horticultural science in the 30^th International Horticulture Congress (IHC2018) convened by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) under the theme: “Bridging the World through Horticulture”, between 12 and 16 August 2018, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Estidamah made two professional presentations on “Effect of different greenhouse covering materials on cucumber growth and yield in hot climate” and the “Influence of CO2 concentration on tomato growth and yield grown in the closed greenhouse”.

In the first presentation, Estidamah showed that using the proper greenhouse covering materials can provide a suitable environment for plant growth in Saudi Arabia. As well, using three different greenhouse covering materials (Clear glass, Polycarbonate, and Diffuse tempered glass), results showed that both water and light use efficiency recorded higher rates in compartments covered with diffused or clear glass than polycarbonate compartments. Consequently, the fruit yield of cucumber plants/m2 was significantly higher (58%) in clear and diffuse glass greenhouses compared to polycarbonate greenhouse. In terms of the effect of cultivar or plant density, no significant differences in cucumber yield were found. In this respect, it could be concluded that using clear and diffuse glass as a greenhouse cover material has a strong positive influence on crop productivity under Saudi Arabia's climate conditions.

On the other hand, the presentation explored the effect and use of carbon dioxide in relation to the production of tomatoes at two levels of concentrations. Two tomato varieties (Forrester and Marenza from Enza Seeds) were grown in high-tech glasshouses (closed system). Results showed that Forrester cultivar produced 20% more with a higher CO2 concentration, while Marenza produced 21%.

In fact, IHC2018 provided an excellent platform for scientists, technicians, students, consultants, engineers, extension agents, growers, industry, trade and consumer organizations, policymakers, and other professionals having an interest in horticulture. Also, IHC2018 will had a rich scientific program, symposia, workshops, ad hoc training sessions, and technical tours that allowed a diffuse interaction among scientists as well as institutions.