(29) Effects of Colored Plastic Mulches on Bell Pepper Yield and Fruit Characteristics

Abstract

A study was carried out to compare the effects of different colored plastic mulches (black smooth, red, black embossed, blue, olive, yellow, clear, white, and reflective) and bare ground on bell peppers (Capsicum annum) yield and fruit characteristics. Pepper varieties `Crusader' (2004 trial) and `Boynton Bell F1' (2005 trial) seeds were planted in flats filled with Jiffy Mix in a greenhouse in late Apr. 2004 and 2005, and the seedlings transplanted in early June 2004 and 2005, respectively. In 2004, pepper fruits were harvested once in early September, and reflective and black embossed plastic mulch treatments had higher U.S. No. 1 fruit weight than other treatments. Pepper fruits harvested from reflective plastic mulch treatment were longer and larger than fruits in other treatments. In 2005, pepper fruits were harvested three times in late September to early October, and plants grown in reflective and red plastic mulch treatments had higher Fancy fruit weights while olive and white plastic mulch treatments had higher U.S. No. 1 fruit weights than other treatments. Fruits from reflective and red plastic mulch treatments were longer and larger than fruits from other treatments. The total marketable yield (Fancy and U.S. No. 1 fruit weight combined) was higher in olive, reflective, white, and red plastic mulch treatments. In comparison with black embossed plastic mulch, plants grown in reflective and olive plastic mulches had higher yield in 2004. However, in 2005, yield followed the same trend, with plants grown in olive, white, and reflective plastic mulches having higher yield than other treatments.