Fruit Set of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Under Plastic Covers1

Abstract

Abstract The effects of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic film tunnels (perforated, whole and double layer) on fruit set and yield of winter peppers were tested alone and in combination with soil mulches of black bitumen and black PE film. Whereas double4ayer cover induced more vigorous plant development, good fruit set on lower nodes, resulting in higher early yields of large fruit, was obtained only from plants covered throughout flowering by perforated plastic film. The addition of bitumen mulch resulted in higher total and early yield, while black PE mulch reduced the early yield, Factors inducing flower abscission when double-layer plastic is in use during flowering, as well as the differences between black bitumen and black PE mulch, are discussed.