Present Status of Smart Greenhouses Growing Fruit Vegetables in Korea: Focusing Management of Environmental Conditions and Pests in Greenhouses

Smart greenhouses are primarily used for growing fruits and vegetables, such as sweet peppers, tomatoes, strawberries. Although the number of smart greenhouses has been increasing exponentially, no studies have been performed to evaluate the state of smart greenhouses in Korea. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine current state of smart greenhouses with regard to greenhouse specifications, crop growing methods, pests, and user satisfaction in Korea. Contact information for smart greenhouses was provided by the officials of local agricultural research and extension services. This survey was conducted by visiting each greenhouse. Results showed that approximately 50% of surveyed smart greenhouses were between 3,300 m and 6,600 m. The most frequently chosen method for pest control was chemical pesticides (97.1%). Powdery mildew and gray mold comprised 54.4% and 33.8% of the crop diseases, respectively. All tomato greenhouse farmers considered whiteflies the most problematic pest. In contrast, 76.5% and 70.6% of sweet pepper farmers believed thrips and aphids posed significant threats, respectively. The mean satisfaction score was 7.5 out of 10 points, with 10 being “extremely satisfied”. These results will aid in decision making with respect to the management of current smart greenhouses and the design of future smart farms in Korea.