Rader, Heidi B.2014-11-032014-11-032006-12http://hdl.handle.net/11122/4646Thesis (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2006.Fairbanks, Alaska (lat. 64°49’N) has a short, variable growing season which necessitates alternative growing techniques for reliable vegetable production. Air and soil temperatures, relative humidity, light penetration, and management requirements were evaluated for a double bay high tunnel [15.8 m wide × 3.7 m high × 14.6 m long]. Mean air temperature was 0.5 °C and soil 1.2 °C higher in the high tunnel than the adjacent field, but differences varied with ventilation and heating practices. Yield and growth characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa: ‘Paris Island cos’ and ‘Two Star’) and snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.: ‘Concesa’ and ‘Provider’) were evaluated. Lettuce was frost hardy in the open field, prone to bolting in the high tunnel, and in general did not benefit from the high tunnel environment, except in quality due to cleanliness. ‘Concesa’ produced significantly more in the high tunnel compared with the field (P < 0.005). ‘Provider’, produced more in the high tunnel in 2006 compared to the field, but differences were not statistically significant over two seasons. The perceived benefits of high tunnel production included protection from frost, wind, pest, and rain, improved yields depending on crop and cultivar, and decreased weed emergence and moisture accumulation.Signature Page -- Title Page : Abstract -- Table of Contents -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- List of Appendices : Page -- Acknowledgements -- Chapter 1 General Introduction : Summary ; High Tunnels ; Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) ; Snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) ; Literature Cited -- Chapter 2 Northern Field Production of Leaf and Romaine Lettuce using a High Tunnel : Summary ; Introduction ; Materials and Methods ; Results and Discussion ; Literature Cited -- Chapter 3 High Tunnels Improved Snap Bean Production in Alaska : Summary ; Introduction ; Materials and Methods ; Results and Discussion ; Literature Cited -- Chapter 4 General Conclusion : Summary ; High Tunnel Use and Research in the United States ; High Tunnel Production of Warm Season Crops ; High Tunnel Management ; Soil Fertility ; High Tunnel Advantages over Low Tunnels ; High Tunnel Operating Costs ; Concluding Remarks ; Literature Citeden-UShigh tunnelfood securitynorthern agriculturesmall farm viabilitysnap beanslettuceAlaskaFairbanksEffect of temperature onGreenhouse managementGreenhouse gardeningThesisPlant, Animal, and Soil Sciences