EFFECTIVENESS OF MULCHING PLASTIC FILM TO CONTROL CORKY ROT AND SOME VIRUSES OF TOMATO

Abstract

We report the results obtained from an experimentation in open field to control both corky rot and some viruses of tomato by use of different mulching films. Experiments were carried out in agricultural areas of Cerignola (FG) using seven plastic films for mulching soil of 'Talent' tomato plants. The plastic films compared were the following: black film, black biodegradable film, silver film, fume film, green FSL film, green translucent film and reflecting with black layer film. During the vegetative cycle, the tomato plants received the ordinary agricultural cure. Visual surveys were carried out weekly in order to evidence plant tissues alterations. Foliar samples from each treatment were taken and subjected to analyses to ascertain viruses presence (CMV, TSWV, PZSV, EMDV and TYLCV). At the end of the agricultural cycle, all plants were pulled out, and in laboratory their roots subjected to visual and mycological analyses. Yield of tomato plants differently mulched was considered such as quality indicator. Results obtained from molecular analyses showed occurring TSWV and CMV infections on 30% plants mulched with green translucent film. While, TSWV infections were observed with percentages of plants from 20 to 15% from parcels mulched with white biodegradable film, Fume film, green FSL film, black biodegradable film and black film. Rare plants (lower 1%) infected by PZSW or EMDV were observed. Pyrenochaeta lycopersici was the fungal species more frequently isolated from roots showing necrotic symptoms and corky rot. Statistical analyses allowed to evidence significantly that silver and reflecting with black layer films are more efficacious than other mulching films used to control corky rot while, black, black biodegradable, fume, green FSL and green translucent films resulted more efficacious to repel vector of TSWV and CMV.