Effect of Artificial Mulches on Empoasca kraemeri Ross and Moore 1 Populations and Dry Bean Yields

Abstract

Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of artificial mulches on Empoasca kraemeri Ross and Moore populations and bean yields. Aluminum foil and rice straw mulches significantly reduced adult populations for at least 30 days after planting. This regulatory effect was directly related to the amount of light reflected by the different mulches studied; thus, the aluminum foil, which reflected up to 20.3% of the light, effectively repelled adult leafhopper, whereas the black plastic, with only 5.3% light reflection, did not. Highest yields were obtained from aluminum foil-mulched plots. With a susceptible variety, the aluminum and rice straw treatments increased yields by 212 and 107%, respectively. With a tolerant variety, plots mulched with aluminum foil and rice straw yielded 26 and 31% more than the nonmulched plots, respectively.