Effect of Plastic Mulches on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber in a Tropical Region

Abstract

Research was conducted to evaluate the use of plastic mulches in the production of cucumber under micro-irrigation in tropical conditions. Clear (C) plastic muich installed on beds increased the fruit number and the yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L cv. Fanci Pack) in comparison to unmulched (U) soil, during 1992-1993. White (W) and black (B) plastic mulches showed a moderated effect. Marketable yields of 63.3, 46.2, 44.8 and 21.6 t/ha were achieved under C, W, B and U treatments respectively (P<0.05). The plastic mulches reduced the number of days to flowering and to first harvest and increased the fruit number. It is concluded that clear plastic mulch is more adequate for tropical conditions than black or white plastic mulches.

Effect of polyethylene mulch colour on aphid populations, soil temperature, fruit quality, and yield of watermelon under tropical conditions

“…These results agree with those obtained on vegetable crops by Ashworth & Harrison (1983), and later with cucumber by Farias-Larios et al (1994a) since mulches may transmit, absorb, or reflect a portion of the incident radiation at each wavelength or colour (Ham et al 1993).…”

“…Similar results with other vegetables in cold climates were obtained by Rubeiz et al (1991) and Al-Assir et al (1992) and recently in a tropical region by Farias-Larios et al (1994a), working with cantaloup and cucumber under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. Also Albregts & Chandler (1993) found total fruit yield of 21.82 and 21.48 t/ha in strawberries grown on black and white plastic respectively.…”

“…For vegetable crops, the effect of transparent mulch, floating row covers, and oil sprays on insect populations, virus disease, and cantaloup yield have been evaluated by Orozco et al (1994). Also in cucumber crops clear plastic mulches increased fruit number and yield in comparison with black, white, and unmulched soil (Farias-Larios et al 1994a).…”

Effect of polyethylene mulches on soil temperature and tomato yield in plastic greenhouse

“…Transparent mulches are most used in coller regions to promote earlier yields (FARIAS-LARIOS et al, 1994;LAMONT Jr., 1993;TABER, 1993;STRECK et al, 1994). White, white-on-black, and aluminized materials constitute the family of reflective mulches.…”

Study the Effect of Mulch on Yield of some Strawberry Cultivars in Ardabil Condition

“…The aim of this study has estimating of the effect of mulch on yield, quality and selection of Strawberry suitable varieties to Ardabil weather conditions. [7][8]2015 pp. [1][2][3][4][5] Studied in a split-plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications.…”